Wisconsin Edges Illinois in Overtime Thriller
Friday, March 13, 2026, 2:30 PM ET · United Center
Wisconsin Badgers 91, Illinois Fighting Illini 88, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Wisconsin Badgers vs Illinois Fighting Illini?
Wisconsin Badgers beat Illinois Fighting Illini 91-88 at United Center on March 13, 2026.
Who was favored in Wisconsin Badgers vs Illinois Fighting Illini?
Illinois Fighting Illini were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -375 (about 79% implied). The underdog won.
In a gripping overtime showdown at the United Center, the Wisconsin Badgers triumphed over the Illinois Fighting Illini with a final score of 91-88. This matchup, part of the NCAAB league, showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, each entering the game with strong records of 24-8 for Illinois and 24-9 for Wisconsin.
The game was particularly significant as it marked the third meeting between these two teams in the current season, with Wisconsin having won two out of three encounters. Their previous game on February 11, 2026, saw Wisconsin narrowly defeat Illinois 92-90, while Illinois had claimed victory in their earlier meeting on December 11, 2024, with a score of 86-80. The rivalry added an extra layer of intensity to this encounter, making the stakes even higher.
Illinois entered the game with a recent form of 6-4 in their last ten games, including a two-game winning streak. They averaged 82.8 points scored while allowing 71.1 points per game during this stretch. Their last five games showed a record of 3-2, with an average of 84.6 points scored and 74.0 points allowed. At home, Illinois had a record of 3-2 in their last five games.
On the other hand, Wisconsin was riding a four-game winning streak, boasting a record of 7-3 in their last ten games. They averaged 83.5 points scored and 77.4 points allowed during this period. Their last five games reflected a strong performance, with a record of 4-1 and an average of 84.2 points scored while allowing 75.6 points. Wisconsin's away record in their last five games was 3-3, indicating their ability to perform under pressure on the road.
The betting odds provided by DraftKings indicated that Illinois was favored by 8.5 points, with a total set at 158.5. The money line for Illinois was -375, while Wisconsin was listed at +295, reflecting the market's expectations heading into the game.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any significant player absences for either team, suggesting that both squads were at full strength for this crucial matchup.
The game conditions were conducive to a high-scoring affair, with both teams known for their offensive capabilities. As the game progressed, it became evident that the matchup would be closely contested, with both teams exchanging leads and showcasing their scoring prowess.
The scoring plays in overtime highlighted the tension and excitement of the final moments. John Blackwell opened the scoring in overtime with a pair of free throws, followed by David Mirkovic's tip-in layup. Wisconsin's Nick Boyd then added to the lead with multiple free throws, pushing the score to 90-83. Mirkovic responded with a three-point jumper, narrowing the gap to 90-86, before another layup brought Illinois within two points at 90-88. However, Braeden Carrington sealed the victory for Wisconsin with a final free throw, securing the 91-88 win.
This thrilling contest not only showcased the skills and determination of both teams but also set the stage for what could be an exciting postseason. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how both teams perform in their upcoming games as they look to build on this intense rivalry.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | ILL -8.5 | 158.5 o -110 / u -110 | Wisconsin Badgers +295 · Illinois Fighting Illini -375 |
Leaders
- PointsDavid Mirkovic19Illinois Fighting Illini
- AssistsKeaton Wagler8Illinois Fighting Illini
- ReboundsAndrej Stojakovic7Illinois Fighting Illini
- PointsNick Boyd38Wisconsin Badgers
- AssistsNick Boyd6Wisconsin Badgers
- ReboundsAustin Rapp9Wisconsin Badgers
Recent form
Illinois Fighting Illini
Last 10: 6-4Streak W282.8 scored · 71.1 allowed per game3-2 at home
- W78-72at Maryland TerrapinsMar 8
- W80-54vs Oregon DucksMar 4
- L70-84vs Michigan WolverinesFeb 28
- L94-95at UCLA BruinsFeb 22
- W101-65at USC TrojansFeb 19
- W71-51vs Indiana HoosiersFeb 15
- L90-92vs Wisconsin BadgersFeb 11
- L82-85at Michigan State SpartansFeb 8
- W84-44vs Northwestern WildcatsFeb 5
- W78-69at Nebraska CornhuskersFeb 1
Wisconsin Badgers
Last 10: 7-3Streak W483.5 scored · 77.4 allowed per game3-3 away
- W85-82vs Washington HuskiesMar 12
- W97-93at Purdue BoilermakersMar 7
- W78-45vs Maryland TerrapinsMar 5
- W90-73at Washington HuskiesFeb 28
- L71-85at Oregon DucksFeb 26
- W84-71vs Iowa HawkeyesFeb 22
- L69-86at Ohio State BuckeyesFeb 18
- W92-71vs Michigan State SpartansFeb 14
- W92-90at Illinois Fighting IlliniFeb 11
- L77-78at Indiana HoosiersFeb 7
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 37-3 | - | 19-1 |
| Nebraska | 28-7 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Michigan State | 27-8 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Illinois | 28-9 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Wisconsin | 24-11 | 5 | 14-6 |
| Purdue | 30-9 | 6 | 13-7 |
| UCLA | 24-12 | 6 | 13-7 |
| Ohio State | 21-13 | 7 | 12-8 |
| Iowa | 24-13 | 9 | 10-10 |
| Indiana | 18-14 | 10 | 9-11 |
| Minnesota | 15-18 | 11 | 8-12 |
| USC | 18-14 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Washington | 16-17 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Rutgers | 14-20 | 13 | 6-14 |
| Northwestern | 15-19 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Oregon | 12-20 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Maryland | 12-21 | 15 | 4-16 |
| Penn State | 12-20 | 16 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Wisconsin Badgers | Illinois Fighting Illini |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-66 | 35-70 |
| Field goal % | 42 | 50 |
| Three-pointers | 10-41 | 9-31 |
| Three-point % | 24 | 29 |
| Free throws | 25-30 | 9-15 |
| Free throw % | 83 | 60 |
| Rebounds | 37 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 26 | 27 |
| Assists | 17 | 16 |
| Steals | 5 | 1 |
| Blocks | 2 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 7 | 6 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 6 |
| Fast-break points | 15 | 14 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 44 |
| Fouls | 19 | 23 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 15 |
| Lead changes | 6 | 6 |
| Time in front | 21 | 68 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half54-62Kylan Boswell makes 21-foot jumper (David Mirkovic assists)
- 2nd Half56-62Nick Boyd makes driving layup
- 2nd Half58-62John Blackwell makes 9-foot floating jump shot (Aleksas Bieliauskas assists)
- 2nd Half59-62John Blackwell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-62John Blackwell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-64Keaton Wagler makes driving layup
- 2nd Half63-64Nick Boyd makes 26-foot three pointer (Austin Rapp assists)
- 2nd Half63-67Jake Davis makes 24-foot three point jumper (David Mirkovic assists)
- 2nd Half66-67John Blackwell makes 25-foot three point jumper (Nick Boyd assists)
- 2nd Half67-67Nick Boyd makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-67Nick Boyd makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-67Austin Rapp makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-67Austin Rapp makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-70Andrej Stojakovic makes 23-foot three point jumper (David Mirkovic assists)
- 2nd Half71-70Nick Boyd makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-70Nick Boyd makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-71Tomislav Ivisic makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-72Tomislav Ivisic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-72Aleksas Bieliauskas makes layup (Nick Boyd assists)
- 2nd Half74-74Keaton Wagler makes driving layup
- 2nd Half76-74Nick Boyd makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-74Nick Boyd makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-76Tomislav Ivisic makes layup
- 2nd Half76-78Andrej Stojakovic makes layup
- 2nd Half77-78John Blackwell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-78John Blackwell makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT80-78Nick Boyd makes driving layup
- OT80-80David Mirkovic makes driving layup
- OT82-80Nick Boyd makes 8-foot floating jump shot
- OT85-80Austin Rapp makes 26-foot three point jumper (Nick Boyd assists)
- OT85-81David Mirkovic makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT86-81John Blackwell makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT87-81John Blackwell makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT87-83David Mirkovic makes 0-foot tip in layup
- OT88-83Nick Boyd makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT89-83Nick Boyd makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT90-83Nick Boyd makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT90-86David Mirkovic makes 25-foot three point jumper (Keaton Wagler assists)
- OT90-88David Mirkovic makes layup
- OT91-88Braeden Carrington makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Illinois Fighting Illini, below favours Wisconsin Badgers.
Venue
- United CenterChicago, IL
- Attendance18988
- OfficialsBrian Dorsey, Tim Cormer, Michael Reese
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