Big Ten play didn’t greet either Illinois (6-2, 0-1) or No. 20 Wisconsin (8-2, 0-1) well last week. However, one of the two midwestern rivals will get their first conference victory on Tuesday night as they match up at State Farm Center.
The Illini have a comfortable lead in all-time matchups, 118-89. Their record in Champaign is even more dominant, with the Illini taking 71 of 99 games. An eight-game win streak has helped boost that record even more, and it’s on the line Tuesday.
Know the opponent
The Badgers started hot, going 8-0 and reaching No. 11 in the poll. This included a dismantling of then No. 9 Arizona (4-4) and a neutral site victory over a solid Pittsburgh team (8-2, 1-0). The good vibes of the first month quickly turned last week, however, and brought the Badgers back down to earth.
Despite their two-loss week that sent them spiraling nine spots lower in this week’s Associated Press poll, the Badgers are a formidable foe. Graduate student guard John Tonje has been one of the best scorers in the country through 10 games and will be No. 1 on Illinois’ scouting report.
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The two-time transfer averages 21.5 points per game, highlighted by 41-point and 33-point outbursts against Arizona and Pittsburgh, respectively. He’s been lethal from beyond the arc and will almost definitely draw Illinois’ best defender, junior guard Kylan Boswell.
As a team, Wisconsin puts up over 26 3-point attempts per game. Illinois likes to rack up the threes as well, so this game could model the current style of the NBA with the amount of long-range attempts.
Illini to watch
One player who was tremendous in the loss at Northwestern is freshman forward Morez Johnson Jr. Despite only playing 11 minutes, the Chicago kid tallied six points and five rebounds. Johnson also managed to play some good physical defense, which Illinois lacked at times.
After the defeat, head coach Brad Underwood admitted that he should have given Johnson more playing time. The acknowledgment is likely a preview of future lineups, pairing Johnson with sophomore center Tomislav Ivisic.
Another player to watch is one who has found himself in this category often this season. Graduate student forward Ben Humrichous has been an Illini to keep an eye on in several contests, and this is another game where the Illini will need their oldest player.
After a 1-9 shooting performance from Humrichous in the overtime loss last week, Illinois needs him to respond. His lazy rebounding and defensive struggles are not something Illinois can afford again. A rebound effort may be necessary to secure a ranked win.
What’s at stake?
Wisconsin is the first of two ranked opponents to visit Champaign this week. No. 1 Tennessee (8-0) will follow the Wisconsin game on Saturday and provide another tough test for this young Illinois squad.
While it is only December, the importance of these two contests cannot be overstated. Ranked opponents are big resume boosters for the NCAA tournament, and an 0-2 conference start would be tough to overcome.
There are plenty of possible outcomes this week, but Illinois needs to win at least one game for confidence going forward. Dropping three straight at the beginning of Big Ten play and showing little fight against ranked opponents would not give Underwood’s inexperienced roster much momentum. Tuesday’s game has an 8:00 p.m. tip on Peacock.
@benfader7
