The Wisconsin Badgers shook off a 2-game shooting slump and beat Illinois 75-63 in Champaign.
Sam Dekker and Ben Brust had 16 points each, leading four players in double figures. Traevon Jackson and Nigel Hayes added 14 each as the Badgers pulled even in the Big Ten at 5-5. They’re tied for fourth place with Ohio State and Northwestern.
The Badgers had shot 19% from distance in the two previous games. Last night, the Badgers his 10 of 23. Sam Dekker hit just 2 of 18 from three-point range over the last six games. Last night, he was 4 of 7.
AUDIO: Asst. Coach Gary Close says that’s more like it :16
AUDIO: Close says they had an answer for every Illinois run :20
Wisconsin (18-5, 5-5 Big Ten) picked up their second win in the last seven games with both wins coming on the road. The Badgers are now 5-2 in road games and have won seven straight over Illinois. The Badgers will host Michigan State on Sunday at the Kohl Center (noon).
The Badgers were better at the free throw line as well last night, hitting 21 of 26 (80%).
Rayvonte Rice had 24 points to lead Illinois (13-10, 2-8).