Wisconsin Edges Bradley 71-65 in Opener

Teagan Mallegni's go-ahead three with 28 seconds left secured a season-opening win at the Kohl Center.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Basketball

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a basketball player releasing a shot in red and white against a maple court, with a blurred crowd behind her. — Teagan Mallegni hit a go-ahead three with 28 seconds left as Wisconsin edged Bradley 71-65 in its season opener at the Kohl Center. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Wisconsin defeated Bradley 71-65 in its season opener at the Kohl Center on November 3, 2026. Teagan Mallegni hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 28 seconds left after missing her first nine shots.

Why it matters

The narrow win came after Wisconsin lost a 13-point lead entering the final quarter, a late collapse that tested the team's composure in its first game. Mallegni's recovery from a slow start offered an early look at how the roster responds under pressure in Madison.

Mallegni's 17 points came on 7-for-19 shooting, with all of them scored after she missed her first nine attempts. Adaline Sheplee added 16 points on 8-for-14 shooting, eight of them in the fourth quarter, while Addie Deal scored 15 with 10 coming in the first half.

The players

Teagan Mallegni

Wisconsin guard from McFarland whose career-high 17 points and late go-ahead three decided the season opener.

Adaline Sheplee

Wisconsin forward who scored 16 points on efficient 8-for-14 shooting, including eight in the fourth quarter.

Addie Deal

Wisconsin player who scored 15 points, with 10 of them coming in the first half of the opener.

The details

Mallegni jump-started her game with defense and rebounding before her shots began to fall. Wisconsin lost its 13-point cushion to open the final quarter before Mallegni's go-ahead three from near the logo gave the Badgers the lead for good.

November 3, 2026: Wisconsin defeats Bradley 71-65 in its season opener at the Kohl Center.

Season Trajectory

The opener sets an early tone for Wisconsin's season, with the narrow margin raising questions about how the team closes out close games. How the Badgers handle leads in the coming weeks will shape their early standing among Big Ten contenders.

Mallegni's late three and Sheplee's efficient scoring give fantasy and roster watchers an early read on Wisconsin's rotation. Fans in Madison can track how the Badgers use these contributors in upcoming home games at the Kohl Center.

The takeaway

Wisconsin's opener showed that a slow start does not rule out a strong finish, as Mallegni proved after missing her first nine shots. Watching how the team protects late leads will be the key to reading its season.