Minnesota guard Kenisha Bell (23) pulls up for a jump shot against Wisconsin during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Friday, Dec. 28, 2018, in Minneapolis. (Aaron Lavinsky/Star Tribune via AP)
The Associated Press
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Kenisha Bell had 17 points and 10 rebounds for her first double-double of the season, Annalese Lamke scored 20 points and No. 12 Minnesota opened Big Ten Conference play with a 74-56 win over Wisconsin on Friday night.
The Gophers (12-0) matched the 2002-03 team, when first-year coach Lindsay Whalen was a senior, for the second-best start in school history. The Minnesota record is 15-0 when Whalen was a junior.
Minnesota never trailed as Destiny Pitts scored the first two baskets of the game to start an 11-2 burst. Bell's 3 made it 17-7 after one quarter and it was 32-22 at the half. Minnesota shot 29 percent in the first half (10 of 34) but the Badgers shot 26 percent (8 of 31). The teams combined for 51 rebounds.
Wisconsin (9-4), off to its best start since 2009-10, scored the first basket of the second half, the last time the lead was less than double figures. No Badgers player hit double figures and the final shooting percent was 35 despite a 9 of 16 fourth quarter.
Lamke was 6-of-7 shooting and 8 of 10 from the foul line to finish one point shy of her career high.
Minnesota guard Kenisha Bell (23) is double-teamed by Wisconsin guards Kendra Van Leeuwen (10) and Kelly Karlis (2) during the first quarter of an NCAA college basketball game Friday, Dec. 28, 2018, in Minneapolis. (Aaron Lavinsky/Star Tribune via AP)
The Associated Press
Minnesota guard Kenisha Bell (23) throws a three-point basket while defended by Wisconsin forward Abby Laszewski (14) in the second quarter of an NCAA college basketball game Friday, Dec. 28, 2018, in Minneapolis. (Aaron Lavinsky/Star Tribune via AP)
The Associated Press
Minnesota guard Kenisha Bell (23) is double-teamed by Wisconsin guardsKendra Van Leeuwen (10) and Kelly Karlis (2) during the first quarter of an NCAA college basketball game Friday, Dec. 28, 2018, in Minneapolis. (Aaron Lavinsky/Star Tribune via AP)
The Associated Press
Minnesota coach Lindsay Whalen gestures to her team during the first half against Wisconsin in an NCAA college basketball game Friday, Dec. 28, 2018, in Minneapolis. (Aaron Lavinsky/Star Tribune via AP)
The Associated Press
Minnesota center Annalese Lamke (41) celebrates after scoring a layup and drawing a foul against Wisconsin during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Friday, Dec. 28, 2018, in Minneapolis. (Aaron Lavinsky/Star Tribune via AP)
The Associated Press
Minnesota guard Kenisha Bell (23) is fouled driving toward the basket by Wisconsin guard Kelly Karlis, second from left, during the first quarter of an NCAA college basketball game Friday, Dec. 28, 2018, in Minneapolis. (Aaron Lavinsky/Star Tribune via AP)
The Associated Press
Minnesota guard Jasmine Brunson (21) scores a layup on a breakaway and is fouled from behind by Wisconsin guard Kendra Van Leeuwen (10) during the second quarter of an NCAA college basketball game Friday, Dec. 28, 2018, in Minneapolis. (Aaron Lavinsky/Star Tribune via AP)
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Minnesota forward Taiye Bello (5) looks to pass the ball while being defended by Wisconsin= guard Alex Luehring (44) during the second quarter of an NCAA college basketball game Friday, Dec. 28, 2018, in Minneapolis. (Aaron Lavinsky/Star Tribune via AP)
The Associated Press
Minnesota guard/forward Destiny Pitts (3) hit a 3-pointer while being defended by Wisconsin forward Imani Lewis (34) during the second quarter of an NCAA college basketball game Friday, Dec. 28, 2018, in Minneapolis. (Aaron Lavinsky/Star Tribune via AP)
The Associated Press