The Illinois Fighting Illini (17-9) travel to face off against the Wisconsin Badgers (20-5) on Tuesday, February 18th. This game will be played at Kohl Center in Madison and televised on FS1. Wisconsin is coming off a win in their previous game, while Illinois is looking to get back on track from a loss to the Michigan State. Tip-off is set for 8:30 ET.

Illinois Fighting Illini vs Wisconsin Badgers

The Fighting Illini Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

Illinois Fighting Illini Recent Game/Games

Illinois dropped to 17-9 on the season after a 79-65 home loss to Michigan State on Saturday. The Illini, who were favored by 6.5 points, failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 144, which was under the O/U line of 158.5.

Illinois led 41-37 at halftime but struggled in the second half, scoring just 24 points while allowing 42.

The Badgers Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

Wisconsin improved to 20-5 on the season with a 94-84 road win over Purdue on Saturday. The Badgers entered the game as +5.5 point underdogs and not only pulled off the upset but also covered the spread.

After trailing 37-36 at halftime, Wisconsin exploded for 58 points in the 2nd half while allowing 47. The game’s total points of 178 exceeded the O/U line of 151.5.

Fighting Illini Offense Breakdown

Illinois struggled offensively in their last game, shooting just 38.1% from the field and 21.2% from three-point range, hitting only 7 of 33 attempts from deep. Their effective field goal percentage was 44.4%, but they were solid inside, connecting on 56.7% of their two-point shots.

Jaxon Kohler led the way with 23 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 69.2% overall and hitting 4 of 5 from beyond the arc. Morez Johnson Jr. added 17 points, going 6 for 8 from the field, while Kasparas Jakucionis also contributed 17 points, despite shooting just 33.3% overall and 22.2% from three.

Badgers Offense Breakdown

Wisconsin’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 94 points on 61.5% shooting from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 73.1%, thanks in large part to their 90.9% shooting on two-point attempts (20/22). From beyond the arc, the Badgers hit 12 of 30 threes, good for 40%, and they connected on 75% of their free throws, going 18 for 24.

John Tonje led the way with 32 points, shooting 66.7% overall and 44.4% from three-point range. Trey Kaufman-Renn added 30 points, hitting 12 of 16 shots, while Max Klesmit contributed 17 points and 6 assists. The Badgers finished with 18 assists as a team, but only managed 2 offensive rebounds in the game.

Fighting Illini Team Defense

Illinois gave up 79 points in their last game, despite holding the opposing team to just 38% shooting from the field. The defense allowed 24 made field goals on 63 attempts.

From beyond the arc, Illinois limited their opponent to 7 threes on 33 attempts, a 21% shooting performance. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 13 times, where they made 10 free throws.

Badgers Team Defense

Illinois gave up 79 points in their last game, despite holding their opponent to 38% shooting from the field. The Illini allowed 17 two-point baskets on 30 attempts, a 56% success rate for their opponent.

From beyond the arc, Illinois limited their opponent to just 7 made threes on 33 attempts, a 21% shooting performance. They also sent the opposing team to the free-throw line 13 times, where they converted 10 free throws, shooting 76%.

Fighting Illini vs Badgers Trends

• Through their last three road games, Illinois has an ATS record of just 1-2. However, their overall record was 1-2 while averaging 80 points per game.
• Through their last ten home games, Wisconsin has an ATS record of just 8-2. However, their overall record was 6-4 while averaging 79 points per game.
• As the betting underdog, the Fighting Illini have an ATS mark of just 4-4-2 in their last ten games. Illinois posted a straight up mark of 3-7 in these matchups.
• The Badgers have played well in their last three games as the betting favorite, going 3-0 straight up and 3-0 against the spread.

Fighting Illini vs Badgers Prediction

For today’s matchup we are recommending to take the Badgers to secure the win, with an expected final score of 77-69. When it comes to the spread, we believe they’ll cover at -3.5.

Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 161.5, and our model predicts the Fighting Illini and Badgers to score a combined 146 points. We recommend betting on the under.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.