Wisconsin’s recent losing streak in basketball continued Tuesday night.
The Badgers lost 86-80 to Big Ten rival Illinois. It was the team’s third straight loss over the past week, dropping it to 8-3 overall and 0-2 to begin Big Ten play.
Freshman Kasparas Jakucionis led the way for the Illini with 24 points, six rebounds and five assists on 8-of-15 shooting. His performance defined the night – a continued breakthrough as one of the best players in the sport.
Illinois junior guard Tre White also had his best game of the young season with 21 points and eight rebounds on 6-of-8 shooting and 7-of-8 from the free-throw line, capped by a massive putback dunk . an offensive rebound.
https://twitter.com/B1GMBBall/status/1866693410687434907
This piece tells the story of the game. It highlights the rebound in totals, which once again moved away from Wisconsin.
Illinois finished with 39 rebounds (15 offensive), while the Badgers had just 28. Illinois’ second-chance points decided the game down the stretch. Wisconsin held strong for most of the contest, although it was largely kept at bay due to its inability to control the defensive glass.
Greg Gard’s team had a big chance when Illinois committed a series of fouls early in the second half. He spent the final 14:42 in bonus and a significant amount of time in double bonus. However, the team shot just 14 of 21 from the line, leaving a critical batch of points on the table.
The Badgers were again led by John Tonje (14 points, four rebounds, three assists), along with big contributions from Nolan Winter (15 points, seven rebounds, two steals) and Max Klesmit (13 points, four assists) . Center Steven Crowl (nine points on 3 of 9 shooting) continued his slow start to the season.
This is Wisconsin’s ninth straight loss to the Illini. The Badgers haven’t defeated the Big Ten rival, let alone on the road, since 2019.
Wisconsin now desperately needs a win after the three-way losing skid. They are back in action Saturday for a neutral site contest against Butler.
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