Wisconsin hosts Illinois in a Big Ten matchup at the Kohl Center on Tuesday night. The game starts at 8:30 PM ET. Wisconsin is 20-5 overall and 12-1 at home. Illinois is 17-9 and looking to bounce back after a home loss to Michigan State. Wisconsin is on a four-game win streak, while Illinois has lost six of its last 11 games.
Illinois has dominated this matchup recently, winning the last nine meetings, including an 86-80 win at home in December. Wisconsin has improved since that loss, going 12-2. The Badgers are coming off a big win against Purdue, scoring 94 points. Illinois struggled in its last game, missing its final 19 shots against Michigan State.
Wisconsin Preview – Can They Keep the Momentum Going?
Wisconsin has been one of the best teams in the Big Ten, ranking fourth in the standings. The Badgers average 81.5 points per game and have scored at least 80 points in 14 games this season. John Tonje leads the team with 19.2 points per game, and he had 32 points in the win over Purdue.
The Badgers are efficient on offense, shooting 61.5% in their last game. They also take care of the ball, recording 18 assists and just three turnovers in that game. Max Klesmit, Nolan Winter, and John Blackwell provide additional scoring support.
Wisconsin also plays strong defense. They are 30-1 when holding opponents under 70 points dating back to last season. The team is also the best in the nation in free throw shooting at 83.7%, which could be key in a close game.
Illinois Preview – Can They Snap Out of Their Slump?
Illinois has struggled in recent weeks, losing six of its last 11 games. The Illini average 84.3 points per game but allow 71.6. They have been strong on the boards, ranking second in rebound margin and total rebounds per game.
Kasparas Jakucionis leads the team with 16.0 points per game and has set a freshman record with ten 20-point games. Tomislav Ivisic adds 12.7 points and a team-high 8.5 rebounds per game. In the first meeting against Wisconsin, Jakucionis, Tre White, and Kylan Boswell combined for 66 points.
Illinois will be without Morez Johnson Jr., who is out with a wrist injury. White has also missed time in recent games. Illinois dominated the rebounding battle in the last meeting, 40-29, but they will need to shoot better after a rough game against Michigan State.
Betting Prediction
Wisconsin is favored by 3.5 points at home. The total is set at 161.5. The Badgers have been strong at home, going 12-1, and are riding a four-game win streak. Illinois has struggled recently and will be missing key players.
Wisconsin’s offense is clicking, and their home-court advantage is a big factor. Illinois has won the last nine meetings, but Wisconsin is playing its best basketball of the season. The Badgers should get the win and cover the spread.
Pick: Wisconsin Badgers -3.5 over Illinois Fighting Illini
This would be a great win for Greg Gard and his Wisconsin Badgers. Take Wisconsin in cold Madison on Tuesday night!
