The University of Illinois Fighting Illini men’s basketball team lost to Wisconsin, 91-88, in overtime during the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals on March 13 at United Center in Chicago.
The loss is significant as it marks Illinois’ fourth overtime defeat this season and ends their run in the conference tournament. The team now turns its attention to the upcoming NCAA Tournament selection, where they are expected to make their sixth consecutive appearance.
Freshmen Keaton Wagler and David Mirkovic led Illinois with 19 points each. Wagler also contributed eight assists, while Mirkovic added five rebounds and five assists. Junior Andrej Stojakovic scored 17 points and tied Zvonimir Ivisic for a team-high seven rebounds. Despite building a substantial lead in both halves, Illinois was unable to hold off Wisconsin’s late surge. Mirkovic scored all ten of Illinois’ points in overtime, but a last-second three-point attempt by Wagler missed, sealing the team’s defeat.
Illinois now holds a 24-8 overall record heading into NCAA Selection Sunday. The team has struggled in close games against Big Ten opponents this season, with five of six losses coming by a combined twelve points—four of those defeats occurred in overtime. The Illini were also outrebounded by Wisconsin, marking only the fifth time this season they have lost the rebounding battle.
According to the official website, the University of Illinois Fighting Illini men’s basketball team has reached the NCAA Final Four several times and earned multiple Big Ten Conference titles over its history. The team plays home games in Champaign, Illinois, competes as part of the Big Ten Conference under the nickname “Fighting Illini,” and participates in NCAA Division I athletics.
Looking ahead, Illinois will await its placement for the NCAA Tournament on Sunday as it seeks another deep postseason run.
