Wisconsin Looks to Sweep No. 4 Illinois in Big Ten Quarterfinal

Badgers seek second win over Illini in 12 days after 92-90 overtime thriller in February

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:29am

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Fifth-seeded Wisconsin (23-9) faces off against 4-seed Illinois (24-7) in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals, looking to complete a season sweep of the Illini. The Badgers won a thrilling 92-90 overtime game in Champaign on Feb. 10, their first of four consecutive wins over Associated Press Top 15 opponents. Wisconsin will need another gritty effort to take down the Illini, who will be seeking revenge on their home court.

Why it matters

This matchup features two of the Big Ten's top teams, with the winner advancing to the tournament semifinals. Wisconsin is looking to build on its recent hot streak, while Illinois hopes to bounce back from the earlier loss to the Badgers and solidify its NCAA Tournament positioning.

The details

In the first meeting, Wisconsin dominated offensively, with guards Nick Boyd and John Blackwell combining for 49 points. The Badgers also made 16 3-pointers against Illinois' typically stout perimeter defense. However, the Illini were missing star guard Kylan Boswell, one of the Big Ten's best on-ball defenders. Boswell's presence could make a difference in the rematch, as he looks to slow down the Badgers' backcourt.

  • The teams last met on Feb. 10, with Wisconsin winning 92-90 in overtime.
  • This quarterfinal matchup is scheduled for Friday, March 13 at 1:30 p.m.

The players

Kylan Boswell

A senior guard for Illinois who is one of the better on-ball defenders in the Big Ten.

Nick Boyd

A senior guard for Wisconsin who scored 25 points in the first meeting against Illinois.

John Blackwell

A junior guard for Wisconsin who added 24 points in the win over the Illini.

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What they’re saying

“It's gonna be a physical game. They probably have a bad taste in their mouth from us going there and beating them. So, they're gonna be ready and fired up.”

— Braeden Carrington, Senior guard, Wisconsin

“I'm going to be up all night. He's a terrific player.”

— Greg Gard, Head coach, Wisconsin

What’s next

The winner of this quarterfinal matchup will advance to the Big Ten Tournament semifinals on Saturday.

The takeaway

This rematch between two of the Big Ten's top teams should be a hard-fought, physical battle, with Wisconsin looking to complete the season sweep and Illinois seeking revenge on its home court. The return of Illini guard Kylan Boswell could be a key factor in slowing down the Badgers' backcourt.