Badgers' Bracketology Predictions Skyrocket After Illinois Victory!

Mar 13, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Austin Rapp (22) reacts during overtime at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images The Wisconsin Badgers had yet another impressive win on Friday, beating the Illinois Fighting Illini 91-88 in overtime to advance to the Big Ten Tournament semifinals on Saturday. The game was full of tosses and turns, as the Badgers jumped out to an early lead before succumbing a 23-3 run to the Illini and finding themselves down 15 in the first half.

But they stabilized and went on a run of their own to cut the lead to six at halftime. Once again, in the second half, the Badgers fell behind in a hole, though, leaving doubt as Illinois led by 15 midway through the period. However, we’ve known this team to be able to overcome double-digit deficits, and that’s exactly what happened, thanks to Nick Boyd and John Blackwell, who combined for 69 points to will the Badgers to overtime.

There, Wisconsin had a quick start and got its second overtime win away from home against the Fighting Illini, moving forward to the Big Ten Tournament semis, where it’ll take on the No. 1 Michigan Wolverines. Heading into the tournament, the Badgers were seen as a six seed by most Bracketologists.

While that didn’t change after the Badgers 85-82 win over the Washington Huskies on Thursday, Friday’s win proved to be different. With Wisconsin winning and teams like the Tennessee Volunteers falling short, the Badgers have jumped up to a No. 5 seed in most Bracketology predictions.