Teagan Mallegni silenced the early doubts with a dagger shot that secured Wisconsin’s season-opening victory. Facing a 13-point deficit at the start of the final quarter, the Badgers (1-0) clawed back to defeat Bradley 71-65 at the Kohl Center on Nov. 3. With just 28 seconds remaining, the 6-foot-1 junior launched a go-ahead three-pointer from near the logo, a critical bucket that shifted momentum and locked in the win for the home crowd.
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The performance marked a stark turnaround for Mallegni, who missed her first nine attempts before igniting in the second half. She finished with a career-high 17 points on 7-for-19 shooting, generating all of her scoring after the break. Her offensive surge was underpinned by aggressive defense and rebounding, showcasing the versatility she brought to Madison after transferring from Iowa. This resilience was vital as the Badgers navigated a shaky first half to emerge as the dominant team in the closing minutes.
Wisconsin received crucial support from its young core, with freshman forward Adaline Sheplee contributing 16 points on 8-for-14 shooting, including eight in the fourth quarter. Sophomore guard Addie Deal added 15 points, providing a strong first-half offensive engine with 10 points before the break. The combination of Mallegni’s late-game heroics and balanced scoring from Sheplee and Deal established a positive foundation for the Badgers as they launch their 2024-25 campaign.
Source: Yahoo Sports
