The Wisconsin Badgers (22-12, 11-9 BIG) and Illinois Fighting Illini (25-8, 14-6) are competing in the Big Ten championship. Illinois needed a big second-half performance, but they got the job done against the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Additionally, Wisconsin is coming off an overtime victory against Purdue. Although these sides recently played, it was an 8-point victory for Illinois in Wisconsin earlier this month. But as we see, anything is possible in tournament play.
So do you see the Badgers upsetting the ranked Fighting Illini?
Wisconsin Badgers vs Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Wisconsin Badgers | +3.5 -110 |
O 148 -110 |
+142 |
| Illinois Fighting Illini | -3.5 -110 |
U 148 -110 |
-170 |
| **Odds Courtesy of DraftKings** | |||
Wisconsin Badgers vs Illinois Fighting Illini Game Details
- Fixture: Wisconsin Badgers vs Illinois Fighting Illini
- Date and Time: March 17, 2024 @ 3:30 pm EST
- Location: Target Center in Minneapolis, MN
Apex Tale of the Tape
| Wisconsin Badgers | Vs. | Illinois Fighting Illini |
| 22-12 | Record | 25-8 |
| 74.7 | Points Per Game | 84.2 |
| 46.3 | FG% | 47.0 |
| 34.8 | 3PT% | 35.0 |
| 34.1 | Rebounds Per Game | 39.8 |
| 69.3 | Points Allowed Per Game | 73.4 |
| 45.6 | Defensive FG% | 43.1 |
| 37.2 | Defensive 3PT% | 34.2 |
| 71.8 | Defensive FT% | 71.1 |
| 30.6 | Defensive Rebounds Against | 32.9 |
| 4-1 | Last 5 W-L | 4-1 |
| 72.1 | Team Pace | 70.1 |
Key Stats
Wisconsin Badgers
Wisconsin is salvaging their season. They had a rough middle stretch, but now they are in a position to win the Big Ten Tournament against the Illinois Fighting Illini. They are led in scoring by AJ Storr, who averages 16.7 points per game. Meanwhile, Steven Crowl pulls down 7.2 rebounds per game, including 2.4 offensive rebounds per game. However, the most important player on both ends is Chucky Hepburn. Hepburn controls the offense and uses his defensive IQ and agility to make life difficult for opposing guards. While only coughing up the ball on average 1.2 times per contest for the Wisconsin Badgers.
Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois is a team that could go far in the tournament. They have two of the better peer scores in the nation. Terrence Shannon Jr. provides 22.6 points per game. Meanwhile, the leading assist man is a great scorer in his own right. Marcus Domask provides 3.6 assists per contest. However, he also gives you 15.7 points per game. The great thing about this team is that either one of those players can realistically go off for 20 or more points on any given night.
Injury Report
Wisconsin Badgers
- Isaac Lindsey – Out
- Isaac Gard – Out
- Gus Yalden – Out
Illinois Fighting Illini
- Max Williams – Out
Game Prediction
This Illinois team has been better throughout the course of the season. However, the Wisconsin Badgers are one of the hottest teams in America at the moment. Therefore, it’s understandable why the spread is where it’s at. But I see Illinois getting a convincing win today. Even if they come out slow, just like we saw against Nebraska, this team can turn it on at any given moment. Therefore, I would like them to cover the spread today. However, they also give up a lot of points, and the over should be an easy play here. While the Illinois Fighting Illini can score a lot, their defense will help push the point total over.
Final Pick
Illinois Fighting Illini -3.5 and Over 148
About the Author
Gabriel is a lifelong sports fan. Pick a sport, and he’ll enjoy talking about it with you! From football to soccer, combat sports, and volleyball! You can follow Gabriel on Twitter @BigTenGabriel to enjoy all of his great content. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do several shows daily.
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