Illini’s Duo Domask and Shannon Drive No. 13 Illinois to Triumph Over Wisconsin 91-83 – Sky Bulletin
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In a pivotal Big Ten clash, Marcus Domask’s impressive 31-point haul coupled with Terrence Shannon Jr.’s 23 points propelled No. 13 Illinois to a 91-83 victory over Wisconsin, marking the Illini’s sixth straight win against the Badgers.
This winning streak is Illinois’ longest since they dominated Wisconsin with 16 consecutive wins between 1981 and 1989. Prior to the current streak, Wisconsin had enjoyed a 15-game winning spree against the Illini.
The Illini also carved out a unique record by becoming the inaugural team to claim four consecutive victories at the Kohl Center since it opened in 1998.
Sitting just 1 1/2 games behind the Big Ten leader No. 2 Purdue, Illinois (22-7, 13-5 Big Ten) remains a strong contender for the top of the conference. On the other hand, Wisconsin (18-11, 10-8) is witnessing their season’s aspirations dwindle, having lost seven of their last nine games.
Wisconsin’s hopes to rally were dashed as Illinois responded with a decisive 13-3 surge after John Blackwell’s game-leveling three-pointer. Domask led the charge during this crucial moment with a go-ahead basket and additional points to secure the lead.
Despite strong individual scoring from Wisconsin’s Tyler Wahl, Max Klesmit, Chucky Hepburn, and AJ Storr, it was not enough to counteract Domask’s near career-high performance.
The home team got off to a flying start, influenced by the emotional return of former Badgers assistant coach Howard Moore, but the Illini soon turned the tide and by halftime only held a slim two-point advantage.
Illinois extended their lead in the second half, but the game remained tight and contested until Illinois took definitive control in the final minutes.
BIG PICTURE
Exhibiting a potent offense, the Illini are on a hot streak, scoring 80 or more points for nine consecutive games, a feat last achieved by the 1988-89 team which reached the Final Four. They also managed an empathic road win by shooting 51.8% from the field.
Despite their recent struggles, Wisconsin’s season isn’t in jeopardy just yet. Before this game, projections had them as an NCAA Tournament middle seed. However, their defensive game will need to improve if they wish to make an impact in the postseason.
POLL IMPLICATIONS
Illinois’ crucial away win could boost their standing, potentially edging them closer to the top 10 in the polls.
UP NEXT
Illinois is set to host the formidable No. 2 Purdue on Tuesday.
Wisconsin will be looking to redeem themselves when they go up against Rutgers this coming Thursday.
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FAQs about No. 13 Illinois’ win over Wisconsin
Q: How many points did Marcus Domask score in the game?
A: Marcus Domask scored 31 points.
Q: How long is Illinois’ winning streak against Wisconsin?
A: Illinois has won the last six matchups against Wisconsin.
Q: How close is Illinois to the Big Ten leader?
A: Illinois is 1 1/2 games behind No. 2 Purdue in the Big Ten standings.
Q: What was significant about Illinois’ win at the Kohl Center?
A: Illinois became the first visiting team to win four straight games at Wisconsin’s Kohl Center.
Q: What will Wisconsin’s recent form mean for their NCAA Tournament hopes?
A: Despite their struggle in recent games, Wisconsin is still likely to secure an NCAA Tournament berth based on projections.
Conclusion
The recent clash between No. 13 Illinois and Wisconsin reflected the ongoing dynamism of the Big Ten conference. With high individual performances and strategic gameplay, Illinois not only extended its winning streak against Wisconsin but also kept its pursuit of conference leadership vibrant. The game signified the potential and pitfalls of each team as they head into the crux of the season. Wisconsin must resolve their defensive weaknesses to make a statement in the NCAA Tournament, while Illinois, basking in the glow of consecutive high-scoring games, faces a crucial matchup against Purdue that could define their postseason trajectory.
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