With the end of the season looming for the Wisconsin basketball squad, the Badgers desperately need a win over a familiar foe.
Wisconsin and Illinois have had a long standing rivalry, but as of late the Fighting Illini have dominated the rivalry. The Badgers have lost the last six-straight meetings against Illinois, and now coming off a loss to Indiana, Wisconsin could lose their seventh-straight meeting. The Badgers need to play their best fundamental basketball against Illinois to hold together their NCAA Tournament hopes.
Wisconsin Basketball Squares Off Against #13 Illinois During Must-Win Situation
The Wisconsin basketball team will host the #13 Illinois Fighting Illini in Madison on Saturday, March 2nd, in the third-to-last regular season game. These two teams met twice last year, where the Badgers lost both games by ten points a piece and struggled to ever get within range of the Illinois basketball team. This season, Wisconsin plays Illinois once during the most crucial part of their season as the Badgers need to win games to solidify a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
Currently, Wisconsin is 18-10 with a conference record of 10-7 which has gone down drastically during the month of February. For what it is worth, Wisconsin beat Michigan State twice and Marquette as well while Illinois has lost to both teams this season.
Can Wisconsin Basketball Secure a Win Over the Ranked Fighting Illini?
For Wisconsin basketball to pull off a win over Illinois, they will need to limit their turnovers and empty possessions. Fire alarm evacuation or not, the Badgers failed to score in the final two minutes against Indiana and had plenty of chances to win the game. Wisconsin cannot afford to go on long scoring droughts in their final regular season games, especially against up-tempo teams like Illinois who thrive on opponents’ mistakes.
Wisconsin basketball needs to look for their shooters AJ Storr and Max Klesmit against Illinois to get the offense rocking. Klesmit has been a streaky shooter for the Badgers, but if he can find his stride it could be a much needed boost for Wisconsin. Klesmit went off against Maryland and helped carry the Badgers down the stretch of the game, which is exactly what the Badgers need against Illinois.
A Look Ahead: Wisconsin Badgers Basketball Enduring Tough Stretch, But Still Have Hope
Despite the season ending in a way the Badgers did not imagine after their hot start, there is still plenty of hope left for Wisconsin basketball to make the NCAA Tournament. The Badgers face off against Rutgers and Purdue following their game against Illinois to close out the regular season. At this point in time, conference seeding is not a thought for the Badgers, but rather winning games and gaining back their confidence.
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