Who's Playing

Illinois @ Wisconsin

Current Records: Illinois 14-6; Wisconsin 12-7

What to Know

The Wisconsin Badgers haven't won a contest against the Illinois Fighting Illini since Feb. 18 of 2019, but they'll be looking to end the drought Saturday. Wisconsin and Illinois will face off in a Big Ten battle at 3 p.m. ET at Kohl Center. The neutral point spread forecasts a close one for these two.

The Badgers received a tough blow on Wednesday as they fell 73-55 to the Maryland Terrapins. Guard Connor Essegian (19 points) was the top scorer for Wisconsin.

Meanwhile, the Ohio State Buckeyes typically have all the answers at home, but on Tuesday Illinois proved too difficult a challenge. Illinois came out on top against the Buckeyes by a score of 69-60. The Fighting Illini can attribute much of their success to guard Terrence Shannon Jr., who had 17 points in addition to seven boards, and forward Coleman Hawkins, who had 11 points and six assists along with nine rebounds and three blocks.

The Badgers are now 12-7 while Illinois sits at 14-6. A couple stats to keep in the back of your head while watching: Wisconsin has only been able to knock down 42.30% percent of their shots, which is the 53rd lowest field goal percentage in college basketball. Illinois' defense has more to brag about, as they they have been holding their opponents to a field goal percentage of 40.10%, which places them 33rd in college basketball.

How To Watch

  • When: Saturday at 3 p.m. ET
  • Where: Kohl Center -- Madison, Wisconsin
  • TV: FOX
  • Follow: CBS Sports App
  • Ticket Cost: $30.00

Odds

The Fighting Illini are a slight 1.5-point favorite against the Badgers, according to the latest college basketball odds.

The oddsmakers were right in line with the betting community on this one, as the game opened as a 1.5-point spread, and stayed right there.

Over/Under: -111

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Series History

Wisconsin have won seven out of their last 12 games against Illinois.

  • Jan 07, 2023 - Illinois 79 vs. Wisconsin 69
  • Feb 02, 2022 - Illinois 80 vs. Wisconsin 67
  • Feb 27, 2021 - Illinois 74 vs. Wisconsin 69
  • Feb 06, 2021 - Illinois 75 vs. Wisconsin 60
  • Jan 08, 2020 - Illinois 71 vs. Wisconsin 70
  • Feb 18, 2019 - Wisconsin 64 vs. Illinois 58
  • Jan 23, 2019 - Wisconsin 72 vs. Illinois 60
  • Feb 08, 2018 - Wisconsin 78 vs. Illinois 69
  • Jan 19, 2018 - Wisconsin 75 vs. Illinois 50
  • Jan 31, 2017 - Wisconsin 57 vs. Illinois 43
  • Feb 21, 2016 - Wisconsin 69 vs. Illinois 60
  • Jan 31, 2016 - Wisconsin 63 vs. Illinois 55