Three Things: Wisconsin Basketball Falls to Illinois 61-51

Wisconsin basketball fell to Illinois 61-51 on Saturday afternoon. With the loss, the Badgers were swept in the season series against Illinois. On top of that, UW has lost six of its last seven games.

The offense severely disappointed in a game the Badgers needed to win. Wisconsin is now 12-8 on the season and 4-6 in conference play.

Here are three things that stood out in the loss to the Illini.

Chucky Hepburn returned to form in the second half

Don’t look now, folks, but Chucky Hepburn might be back. The Badgers floor general led the way in scoring with 15 points on 42% shooting. Additionally, he tacked on five rebounds, one assist, and two steals.

After some offensive inconsistency in recent weeks, Hepburn took a big step up in the second half and led Wisconsin’s offensive attack. Although UW could not secure a win, Hepburn returning to form was a welcome sight.

With the loss, the Badgers are no lock for the NCAA Tournament. However, if Chucky can keep up this level of play, they could climb back up the rankings.

Wisconsin basketball couldn’t stop Matthew Mayer

There are no two ways about it, Mayer torched the Badgers.

Mayer notched 26 points on 56% shooting, hitting 5 of his 11 three-point attempts. Wisconsin couldn’t stop the senior guard, and the Illini took advantage of that. Essegian was one of Wisconsin’s primary defenders on Mayer. Veteran experience won this time, with the senior scoring at will against Essegian.

Mayer’s hot shooting lifted Illinois to a ten-point victory. The Badgers couldn’t stop the hot hand,

Poor shooting out of the gate was the difference maker

Wisconsin couldn’t have gotten off to a worse start. Following tipoff, the Badgers started 2-for-15 from the field. Carter Gilmore snapped the scoring drought, but Wisconsin continued to struggle.

At the end of the first half, Wisconsin trailed Illinois 20-16. The Badgers hit went 6-for-33 from the field in the first 20 minutes. Although Wisconsin was in striking distance and eventually took the lead, Illinois exploded for a 22-4 run. After that, UW’s offense faced an insurmountable lead.

The Badgers got out to a slow start and sealed their fate at the start of the game. Wisconsin’s offensive inconsistency continues, and they desperately need to snap out of this slump.

The Badgers have a long way to go in the second stretch of the season. If Wisconsin doesn’t right the ship, it’s hard to see this team making the tournament. UW will take on Ohio State on Thursday in what should be considered a must-win game.

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