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While the Badgers were able to work around Wahl’s absence against the Gophers, he was sorely missed against the Illini.
Wisconsin struggled to make their shots, going 28-64 from the field and 8-29 from beyond the three-point line. The Badgers bench also fell flat, combining for just 7 points. That includes a season-low 5 from freshman Connor Essegian.
Illinois’ shooters were slightly more efficient, going 25-53 from the field and 10-19 from three-point range. Freshman guard Jayden Epps also had a big day, posting 15 points from the bench. Illini guard Terrence Shannon Jr. led all players with 24 points. The Illini had four different shooters with double-digit points, and two players with 20 or more.
Wisconsin shot 5-12 from the free-throw line while Illinois went 19-26. The Illini also out-rebounded the Badgers 37-34.
The loss snaps Wisconsin’s six-game winning streak and moves their record to 11-3. This is also Wisconsin’s first Big Ten loss of the season, moving their conference record to 3-1.
The Badgers are back in action on Tuesday when Michigan State visits the Kohl Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT.
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