Wisconsin Stuns: Uncover These 5 Eye-Opening Numbers Behind Their Dominant First Half

Mar 13, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard Nick Boyd (2) reacts during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images In yet another overtime thriller, the No. 5 seed Wisconsin Badgers came back from a 15-point deficit to upset the No.

4 seed Illinois Fighting Illini on Friday, winning 91-88 as Keaton Wagler missed a three at the final buzzer once again. It was a game wildly reminiscent of the first battle between the two teams, as Wisconsin had some good runs, saw itself go down double digits, and fought its way back to force overtime and secure the win. With the victory, the Badgers will now face the No.

1 Michigan Wolverines on Saturday afternoon in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals. Here are three quick takeaways from the Badgers 91-88 win over Illinois on Saturday. Game of runs The Badgers are a team that gets hot and one that sees its cold spells.

We saw that in the first game against Illinois, where the Badgers had strong starts to both halves, which was crucial, and then a major cold spell before coming back from down 12 to force overtime and eventually win. On Friday, we saw the same behavior. The Badgers started the first half strong, getting out to a 10-5 lead over the first three minutes, with Nick Boyd’s energy leading the charge.