Wisconsin Badgers
Illinois
Badgers get to face No. 4 Illini in Big Ten Quarterfinals
March 12, 2026 | Men's Basketball
UW comes off 85-82 win over Washington Thursday
After earning a three-point win over Washington on Thursday, the No. 5-seeded Wisconsin men’s basketball team will take on No. 4 Illinois on Friday in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Big Ten Tournament. Tip is set for 1:30 p.m. at the United Center in Chicago.
All-session tickets for the 29th edition of the tournament are available for purchase through TicketMaster.com. For more information on this year's tournament, visit the Big Ten Tournament Central page.
Stick together, win together ?? pic.twitter.com/9VVFIXOWuO
— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) March 12, 2026
LAST TIME OUT
The Badgers earned a 85-82 win over Washington on Thursday afternoon in the third round of the Big Ten Tournament. John Blackwell had a game-high 34 points to go along with 10 rebounds. Nick Boyd had 23 points and 9 assists, one shy of his career high. UW broke its single-season three-point record while hitting 15 three-pointers in the victory.
Built different. pic.twitter.com/a5BntLTx78
— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) March 12, 2026
JB WENT OFF
Junior John Blackwell turned in a performance for the record book on Thursday against Washington with a 34-point, 10-rebound showing. His 34 points were not only a career high, but are the most in a Big Ten Tournament game by a Badger and are the third-most by any Big Ten player in a conference tournament contest.
Blackwell also collected his second double-double of the season and his fourth career double-double. The Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, native also was 6-of-12 from three-point land, matching a career high in makes from downtown.
??Fan Event Update??
— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) March 12, 2026
We will be holding Friday's fan event at Rocky's Table and Tap, located at the Blackhawks Ice Center. pic.twitter.com/5uxiiqC8Mm
FAN EVENTS
The Badgers will host a pair of fan events in Chicago for fans on Friday prior to its game against Illinois.
UW will have a sendoff for the team from the Hilton Hotel (720 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605) at 11:15 a.m. Join the UW Band, UW Spirit Squad and Bucky Badger and cheer on the Badgers.
Get ready to cheer on the Badgers at Rocky’s Table & Tap (1801 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago IL 60612) before heading over to the United Center for the game. Enjoy a special performance by the UW Band and Spirit Squad. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, no reservations are required, and Badger giveaways will be available while supplies last. Fans can enter through the North Entrance of the Blackhawks Ice Center.
LUCKY NUMBER 5
The Badger improved to 7-3 all-time in the Big Ten Tournament as the No. 5 seed after its win over Washington. Wisconsin has been the No. 5 seed in each of the last two years and has made it to the Big Ten title game both times.
AGAINST THE ILLINI
Wisconsin took down the then No. 8 Illini, 92-90, in an overtime thriller on Feb. 10 in Champaign. John Blackwell (25) and Nicky Boyd (24) combined for 49 points in the win, while Austin Rapp added 18 on four three-pointers. UW has won two-straight against Illinois, and 17 of their last 26 meetings. The Illini boast five double-digit scorers, including Big Ten Freshman of the Year Keaton Wagler.
