(UW ATHLETICS) – Wisconsin (#15 seed) will open play at the Big Ten Tournament against the Illinois Fighting Illini (#10 seed) on Wednesday, February 4, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Tip-off is scheduled for approximately 25 minutes following the 2:30 p.m. CT game.
Here are things to know before the Badgers face the Fighting Illini:
- Wisconsin ended the regular season 13-16 overall and 5-13 in conference play. At home The Badgers finished with a record of 11-5, their best mark since 2008-09. Throughout their campaign Wisconsin had notable ranked wins over #20 Michigan State, #24 Nebraska and a double overtime victory to bring down Oregon.
- Wisconsin enters the tournament with a 15-32 all-time record and has earned the No. 15 seed for the first time in program history. The team’s best tournament finishes came in 2002, 2009 and 2010, advancing to the semifinals each time. UW was the No. 6 seed in 2002 and reached the semifinals as a No. 7 seed in both 2009 and 2010.
- The Badgers were bested 92-60 in the previous meeting between the two teams earlier this season. The Badgers finished shooting 36.9% (24-65) from the field, 21.7% (5-23) from deep and 58.3% (7-12) from the line. The Illini ended shooting 58.1% (36-62) from the floor, 64.7% (11-17) from three and 75.0% (9-12) from the line.
- The Badgers are coming off a 81-52 loss to No. 9 Iowa at home. Destiny Howell led the way for the Badgers, tallying a team-high 23 points on 8-of-16 shooting from the field. The Badgers finished shooting 30.2%(19-63) from the field, 24.1% (7-29) from three and 87.5 (7-8) from the line. Iowa finished 53.0% (35-66) from the field, 45.0% (9-20) from the three and 50.0% (2-4) from the line.
- If Wisconsin advances, the team will play No. 7 Michigan State on March 5 at 5:30 p.m.
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