In this article, we will formulate a Wisconsin vs Illinois prediction for this College Basketball game on Tuesday, February 18th at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.
Wisconsin Badgers Betting Preview
The Wisconsin Badgers are 20-5 (10-4) this year after they defeated Purdue by a score of 94-84 in their last game. Wisconsin trailed 37-36 at halftime, but they scored 58 points in the second half for the win. The Badgers shot 61.5% from the field, 40% on three-pointers, and 75% on free throws in the game. John Tonje led Wisconsin with 32 points and six rebounds, while Max Klesmit added 17 points and six assists in the game.
Prior to that win, the Badgers defeated Iowa by a score of 74-63 and Indiana by a score of 76-64. Wisconsin has won four games in a row and they are currently fourth in the Big Ten standings with a 10-4 record. Wisconsin has scored 81.5 points per game and they have allowed 70.5 points per game, while also averaging 35.6 rebounds and 15.0 assists per game this season. John Tonje is averaging 19.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, while John Blackwell is averaging 15.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game this year. Wisconsin is shooting 46.6% from the field, 83.7% on free throws, and 36.6% on three-pointers this season.
Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Preview
The Illinois Fighting Illini are 17-9 (9-7) this season after they lost to Michigan State by a score of 79-65 in their last game. Illinois led 41-37 at halftime, but they only scored 24 points in the second half and scored exactly zero points in the last eight minutes of the game. The Fighting Illini shot 38.1% from the field, 21.2% on three pointers, and 76.9% on free throws in the game. Morez Johnson Jr. led Illinois with 17 points and five rebounds, while Kasparas Jakucionis also added 17 points and five rebounds in the game.
Prior to that loss, the Fighting Illini defeated UCLA by a score of 83-78 and Minnesota by a score of 95-74. Illinois has won three of their last five games and they are currently seventh in the Big Ten standings with a 9-7 record. Illinois has scored 84.3 points per game and they have allowed 71.6 points per game, while also averaging 44.3 rebounds and 14.7 assists per game this season. Kasparas Jakucionis is averaging 16.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, while Tomislav Ivisic is averaging 12.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game this year. Illinois is shooting 44.9% from the field, 75.9% on free throws, and 31.1% on three-pointers this season.
Why Wisconsin will beat Illinois
- Wisconsin has won 27 of its last 28 games at Kohl Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Illinois has lost four of its last five night games.
- Wisconsin has won the first half in each of its last 10 night games against the Big Ten Conference at Kohl Center.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Wisconsin’s last 22 Tuesday night home games against the Big Ten Conference have produced a total of 155 or fewer points.
- Seven of Illinois’ last eight games at Kohl Center have produced a total of 143 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Wisconsin ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for free throw percentage this season (83.7%).
- Wisconsin ranks 5th among Division 1 teams for opponent steals per game this season (4.8).
- Illinois ranks 2nd among Division 1 teams for rebounds per game this season (44.3).
- Illinois ranks 2nd among Division 1 teams for rebound percentage this season (56.9%).
Wisconsin vs Illinois Prediction
Wisconsin rolls into this matchup on a four-game winning streak and they will be at home for this game. The Badgers just picked up a huge road win against Purdue last time out and they have scored at least 74 points in four straight games. Wisconsin is shooting 46.6% from the field this year and they have been very good at home this season. Illinois completely collapsed against MSU in their last game and this is going to be an extremely tough environment to bounce back in. The Fighting Illini are shooting 44.9% from the field this year and they have scored at least 83 points in three of their last five games. I don’t fully trust this Illinois team and with them being on the road, I like Wisconsin to cover here.