Illinois secure commanding victory over Wisconsin, look ahead to showdown with Purdue

The No. 13-ranked Illini delivered a commanding performance, securing a 91-83 victory over the Wisconsin Badgers. Marcus Domask led the charge for the Fighting Illini, scoring an impressive 31 points shooting 12-for-21 from the field, and sinking four three-pointers. Domask's stellar performance, accompanied by his team-high eight rebounds, three assists, and a block, propelled Illinois to their fourth consecutive win at the Kohl Center.

Contributions from offensive star Terrence Shannon Jr., who scored 23 points, and Coleman Hawkins, who added 13 points and seven rebounds, further bolstered Illinois' offensive efficiency. Their efforts, coupled with strong team defense, secured a double-bye in the Big Ten Tournament for the Illini and kept their hopes of a Big Ten title alive.

Despite a valiant effort from Wisconsin, led by Tyler Wahl's 20 points, the Badgers struggled to contain Illinois' offensive onslaught. Max Klesmit and Chucky Hepburn contributed 16 and 15 points, respectively, but it wasn't enough to overcome Illinois' resilience.

In the end, Illinois' sharp shooting from beyond the arc and consistent performance at the free-throw line proved decisive. With their historic victory at the Kohl Center, the Illini showcased their prowess and reinforced their status as legit contenders in the Big Ten.

On Tuesday, at 6 p.m CST., the State Farm Center will host the most important game for Illinois this season as they play No. 2 Purdue. Illinois is clinging onto the possibility of clinching a share of the Big Ten Championship with the Boilermakers. Boasting a record of 25-3 overall and 14-3 in the Big Ten, Purdue currently holds a 1.5-game advantage over the Illini and is positioned as a projected No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament as it stands now.

Also of note, former Wisconsin assistant coach Howard Moore, who tragically suffered major injuries in a car accident in 2019, was honored before his former team’s game against Illinois on Saturday. Moore, confined to a wheelchair, endured unimaginable loss as the accident claimed the lives of his wife and daughter, while his son Jerrell escaped with minor injuries. 

Despite the profound tragedy, Howard Moore remains a cherished figure within Wisconsin Athletics, as evidenced by the unveiling of the newly constructed men’s basketball offices at the Kohl Center, now named the “Howard Moore Family Men’s Basketball Offices,” during a halftime ceremony attended by Moore, his family, friends, and former teammates.