Wisconsin Badgers vs Illinois Fighting Illini Picks and Prediction for Friday March 13 2026
The Wisconsin Badgers face the Illinois Fighting Illini in the Big Ten Tournament Quarterfinal on Friday, March 13, 2026, at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Tipoff is scheduled for 2:30 PM ET with television coverage on BTN. According to DraftKings, Illinois is an 8.5-point favorite with the total set at 156.5. Be sure to check out our free college basketball picks for more daily predictions and betting insights.
Wisconsin Riding Momentum into the Quarterfinal
Wisconsin enters the Big Ten Tournament Quarterfinal with a 23-9 overall record and a 14-6 mark in Big Ten play. The Badgers advanced after recently winning over Washington 85-82 in the tournament third round. Over their last five games, Wisconsin has recently won over Washington twice, Purdue, and Maryland while recently losing to Oregon.
On the season, Wisconsin averages 83.3 points per game while allowing 75.8 points per contest. The Badgers shoot 45% from the field and average 35.9 rebounds and 15.9 assists per game. Defensively, Wisconsin contributes 3.0 blocks and 5.6 steals per contest while maintaining a balanced approach on both ends of the floor.
In the win over Washington, John Blackwell delivered a standout performance with 34 points while also leading the team in rebounding with 10 boards. Wisconsin shot 45% from the field and connected on 15 three-pointers in the game, showing strong perimeter scoring ability. However, the Badgers now face a quick turnaround after playing the previous day, and maintaining that level of shooting efficiency will be critical against a rested Illinois squad.
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Illinois Ready After First-Round Bye
Illinois enters the Big Ten Tournament Quarterfinal with a 24-7 overall record and a 15-5 conference mark. The Fighting Illini earned a bye into the quarterfinal round thanks to their strong regular-season performance. Over their last five games, Illinois has recently won over Maryland, Oregon, and USC while recently losing to Michigan and UCLA in overtime.
On the season, Illinois averages 84.3 points per game while allowing just 69.1 points per contest. The Fighting Illini shoot 46% from the field and average 40.8 rebounds and 14.6 assists per game. Defensively, Illinois contributes 4.7 blocks and 3.8 steals per contest while using their size and rebounding ability to control the paint.
In their most recent game, a 78-72 win over Maryland, David Mirkovic led Illinois with 22 points and also dominated on the glass with 11 rebounds. Illinois shot 47% from the field and was strong at the free-throw line, converting 21 attempts. With the added rest from the tournament bye and a strong interior presence, the Illini enter this quarterfinal with both momentum and a physical advantage.
Wisconsin vs Illinois Pick
Wisconsin vs Illinois Spread Pick
- Pick: Illinois -8.5
Illinois has the advantage of rest after earning the tournament bye, while Wisconsin is coming off a high-scoring game the day before. The Illini also have the stronger defensive numbers and a significant edge on the boards, which could be key in limiting Wisconsin’s second-chance opportunities. With Illinois playing near home in Chicago and possessing a more balanced roster, the Fighting Illini are well positioned to control the tempo and cover the spread.
Wisconsin vs Illinois Total Pick
- Pick: Over 156.5
I like the over in this matchup because both teams have proven offensive firepower. Wisconsin just scored 85 points in its last game while Illinois averages over 84 points per contest this season. With Wisconsin capable of hitting from the perimeter and Illinois controlling the paint and getting to the free-throw line, I expect a game with plenty of scoring opportunities. If the pace picks up even slightly, the total has a strong chance to climb past this number.
Final Score Prediction: Illinois 86, Wisconsin 76
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