Overall: D
Wisconsin had its chances of being able to put the game away against Illinois but the Badgers couldn’t find a way to extend their lead to double digits.
Wisconsin’s failure to take complete control of the game ultimately allowed for Illinois to stay in the game and find a way to come out with a victory against the Badgers.
Despite Wisconsin ending the game poorly on both sides of the floor, the Badgers had one last chance of escaping with a victory over Illinois but Trice’s shot attempt in the paint in the final seconds of the game came up short as he finished the game 2-for-10 from the field.
Wisconsin held the lead for the last time against Illinois after a pair of made free throws by Davison with 1:32 to go in the game to put Wisconsin up 67-66.
However, on Wisconsin’s next two defensive possessions for the Badgers, Davison was responsible for allowing Dosunmu to get past him and into the lane for a layup and allowed for Dosunmu to hit a three over him.
In between those two plays by Dosunmu was a missed three by Aleem Ford (four points) as Reuvers was able to come up with the offensive rebound before missing his layup.
With Illinois having success in the paint it also meant that they found ways of generating second chances when they needed to as they finished the game with eight offensive rebounds, which they turned into nine points.
Potter was the lone player for Wisconsin who was able to consistently clean up after a missed shot by Illinois as he led Wisconsin with nine rebounds with six of them coming on the defensive glass. Potter in his 15 minutes on the floor put together an efficient game for Greg Gard as outside of his nine rebounds he finished with 13 points, three blocks, and one steal.
Potter’s play, especially in the first half, was important due to Reuvers being in foul trouble. Potter’s play helped keep Wisconsin in the game as he helped make sure Wisconsin could get into halftime with a lead.
Game MVP: Kobe King
To begin the second half Wisconsin and Illinois were trading baskets the Badgers were able to maintain their lead thanks to King as he was responsible for scoring eight of Wisconsin’s first nine points in the second half. Without King’s aggressive style the Illini would have likely taken control of the game a lot earlier than they did. King finished the game with 21 points his fourth time leading Wisconsin in scoring this season. King’s aggressiveness threw Illinois defense off as he also finished the game with four rebounds and a block.