Minnesota Women's Basketball Faces Wisconsin in Sunday Showdown

Golden Gophers Seek 20-Win Season, Ride Seven-Game Winning Streak

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The University of Minnesota women's basketball team (19-6, 10-4 Big Ten) travels to Madison, Wisconsin, this Sunday to take on the Wisconsin Badgers (13-12, 5-9 Big Ten) at the Kohl Center. The Gophers enter the contest riding a seven-game winning streak and are aiming for their third consecutive 20-win season, a feat last accomplished from 2013-2016.

Why it matters

This matchup between the in-state rivals holds significance as Minnesota looks to continue its strong season and solidify its position among the top teams in the Big Ten. The Gophers' balanced scoring and stifling defense have been key to their recent success, and a win over Wisconsin would further boost their NCAA Tournament resume.

The details

Minnesota's starting five all scored in double figures in their last game against Nebraska, marking only the 10th time in program history that has happened. The Gophers' assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.6 ranks fourth nationally and second in the Big Ten, while their defense allows just 56.4 points per game, ranking 20th in the nation and first in the conference.

  • The game is scheduled for Sunday, February 16, 2026, with a 6 p.m. CT tip-off.
  • Minnesota most recently defeated Nebraska 84-67 on Thursday.

The players

Grace Grocholski

Leads Minnesota with 328 points and averages 13.1 points per game. She boasts impressive shooting percentages, connecting on 50.6% of her field goals, 46.3% of her three-pointers, and 82.8% of her free throws. With 208 career three-pointers, she ranks eighth in program history and is sixth nationally and third in the Big Ten in three-point percentage.

Amaya Battle

A versatile player who is the only active NCAA player (since 2022) with over 1,000 career points, 700 career rebounds, and 500 career assists. Her career totals currently stand at 1,425 points, 713 rebounds, and 575 assists, and she is approaching the program record for career assists, currently ranking third all-time.

Tori McKinney

Has been a key contributor in recent games, averaging a team-leading 16.5 points over the last six contests, along with 19 assists and 11 steals. She recently recorded back-to-back 20-point games, scoring 23 against Penn State and 20 against Wisconsin.

Mara Braun

Has been a consistent offensive threat, averaging 13.3 points over the last six games. She scored a season-high 22 points at Penn State on January 28 and went 4-for-4 from three-point range at Iowa.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Gophers will look to continue their strong play and secure a victory over the Badgers, which would further solidify their position among the top teams in the Big Ten and boost their NCAA Tournament resume.

The takeaway

Minnesota's balanced scoring, stifling defense, and impressive statistical rankings have been key to their recent success. A win over Wisconsin would not only extend their winning streak but also showcase the Gophers' ability to compete with the top teams in the conference as they aim for their third consecutive 20-win season.