Wisconsin upset Illinois at home. Not a real surprise there as Wisconsin is extremely good at home under Bo Ryan. What was surprising was how they did it. Illinois continued to struggle in a loss. To me, the game was never really in question. Wisconsin had it the whole way, the players knew it and the crowd knew it.
Both teams struggled shooting in the first half, but both picked it up in the second half to score 40+ points. Wisconsin opened the second half on a 10-0 run and never looked back. That is how they took control of the game.
I just don't understand Illinois, it seems as if they do this every year. We expect big things from Illinois and they drop games to UIC and Penn State? They struggle shooting after having stellar shooting performances in games like Northwestern. It is surprising how up and down they are. You never really know what Illinois team will show up until the ball is tipped.
Wisconsin was lead by the all-mighty Jon Leuer who had 26 points. Jordan Taylor added 22 points, behind Leuer. This duo is becoming a huge threat to other Big Ten teams. They are a major double threat for teams, when they play like they have been as of late.
Illinois' Demetri McCamey had 23 points. Illinois has lost two straight on the road after starting the Big Ten at 3-0. Illinois must be careful in coming weeks if they want to stay in contention for the Big Ten title. D.J Richardson seemed to be almost silent. Weber said after the game "D.J has really lost his confidence."
Wisconsin solidified their Big Ten title hopes with this win. They put themselves in good position to help their chances by knocking off upper tier teams.
Overall, I think Illinois needs to pick it up if they want to stay in contention. It doesn't get any easier for the Illini who take on Michigan State and Ohio State next week. The only positive is both are at home. Wins in those games would go a long way for them. Wisconsin shouldn't have too tough of a week as they play Indiana at home and then go to Northwestern to take on the Wildcats.