Illinois falls to Wisconsin in Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals

Illini squander 15-point lead, lose 91-88 in overtime

Mar. 13, 2026 at 9:21pm

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The Illinois men's basketball team saw its Big Ten Tournament run come to an end with a 91-88 overtime loss to Wisconsin in the quarterfinals. The Illini led by as many as 15 points in the second half but were unable to hold off a Badgers comeback, led by a combined 69 points from guards John Blackwell and Nick Boyd.

Why it matters

The loss ends Illinois' hopes of an automatic NCAA Tournament bid, though the team is still expected to receive an at-large bid on Selection Sunday. The game also marked the second overtime defeat for the Illini against Wisconsin this season.

The details

Wisconsin overcame the large deficit by going on a 9-0 run to cut into the lead, then took their first lead of the second half on a 3-pointer from Blackwell and two free throws from Boyd. The game went back-and-forth from there, with Illinois' Andrej Stojaković keeping them in it early. But the Badgers pulled away in overtime, led by seven points from Boyd.

  • Illinois led by as many as 15 points midway through the second half.
  • With 52 seconds left in regulation, Blackwell made two free throws to tie the game at 78-78.
  • In overtime, Boyd scored Wisconsin's first four points and seven overall in the extra period.

The players

John Blackwell

A Wisconsin guard who scored a combined 69 points with teammate Nick Boyd to lead the Badgers' comeback.

Nick Boyd

A Wisconsin guard who scored a combined 69 points with teammate John Blackwell to lead the Badgers' comeback.

Keaton Wagler

An Illinois freshman who led the Illini with 19 points and 8 assists.

David Mirković

An Illinois freshman who had 19 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in the loss.

Andrej Stojaković

An Illinois junior guard who scored 17 points and helped keep the Illini in the game early.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.