Wisconsin Women's Basketball Team Struggles in Road Loss to Illinois

Badgers fall 92-60 as Illinois ties season high with 64.7% 3-point shooting

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Wisconsin women's basketball team suffered a 92-60 road loss to Illinois on February 11th. The Badgers struggled shooting the ball, with their top two scorers, Destiny Howell and Kyrah Daniels, combining for just 9 points on 3-for-20 shooting. Illinois, on the other hand, tied a season high with 64.7% 3-point shooting, led by a career-high 22 points from sophomore guard Aaliyah Guyton.

Why it matters

The loss marks the Badgers' fourth Big Ten road defeat by at least 25 points this season, highlighting their struggles away from home. Wisconsin coach Robin Pingeton cited the team's flat practices following a close loss to Washington as a key factor in the defeat, emphasizing the mental and physical toll of the road schedule.

The details

Despite some positive stats, including just 11 turnovers and 14 offensive rebounds, the Badgers were unable to capitalize. Freshman center Dorja Zaja provided a bright spot, scoring a season-high 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting, but the team's top scorers struggled mightily from the field.

  • The loss occurred on February 11, 2026.
  • Wisconsin had lost in overtime to then-No. 25 Washington on February 8, 2026.

The players

Dorja Zaja

A freshman center for the Wisconsin Badgers women's basketball team who scored a season-high 16 points in the loss to Illinois.

Gift Uchenna

A senior forward for the Wisconsin Badgers women's basketball team who scored 13 points in the loss, with 9 coming in the second half.

Destiny Howell

One of Wisconsin's top scorers, who combined with Kyrah Daniels to score just 9 points on 3-for-20 shooting.

Kyrah Daniels

One of Wisconsin's top scorers, who combined with Destiny Howell to score just 9 points on 3-for-20 shooting.

Robin Pingeton

The head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers women's basketball team, who cited the team's flat practices following the loss to Washington as a key factor in the defeat.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We had two days of practice that just were flat and not in a way of feeling sorry for ourselves that we didn't get the win but exhauston. And so how do you pick yourself up and get yourself ready to go battle again?”

— Robin Pingeton, Head Coach, Wisconsin Badgers Women's Basketball (Badgers Postgame Radio Show)

“She's got a high IQ. She lets the game come to her versus forcing the action, not rushing.”

— Robin Pingeton, Head Coach, Wisconsin Badgers Women's Basketball (Badgers Postgame Radio Show)

What’s next

The Badgers will look to bounce back from this road loss as they continue their Big Ten schedule.

The takeaway

The Wisconsin women's basketball team's struggles on the road this season have been exacerbated by flat practices and poor shooting performances, highlighting the mental and physical toll of the demanding conference schedule.