On senior night at the Kohl Center, the Wisconsin Badgers sent out Jordan Taylor and Rob Wilson in style with a 70-56 win over the Illinois Fighting Illini.
The Badgers played terrific defense in the first half, holding the Illini to just 18 points on 6-24 shooting. At the break, the Badgers had the advantage in both rebounds (19-14) and turnovers (7-3). Not only that, but the Badgers were solid on the glass, not allowing a single offensive rebound to the Illini in the first half.
The defensive trends continued in the second half, but it was offensive efficiency that carried the Badgers. As a team, Wisconsin shot 11-20 from the field and 13-17 from the free throw line, including 9-10 in the final two minutes of the game.
Taylor and Josh Gasser led the Badgers in scoring with 16, while both Jared Berggren and Ryan Evans also scored in double figures. Brandon Paul led the Illini with 22 points on 8-17 shooting.
After wrapping up the regular season on a three game win streak, the Badgers will travel to Indianapolis for the Big Ten tournament. The Badgers have a bye in the first round and will face either Indiana or Penn State, in the quarterfinals, on Friday. Tip is scheduled for approximately 2:30 central time on ESPN.