Five things to know: Illinois

Wisconsin

12-14, 3-11

Illinois

10-16, 2-13

Game Coverage

Wednesday, Feb. 20 | 7 p.m. | Kohl Center | Madison, Wis.

MADISON, Wis. -- The Wisconsin women's basketball team (12-14, 3-11 BIG) returns to the Kohl Center Wednesday night in hopes to split the series with Illinois (10-15, 2-13) after the Fighting Illini took the first game a week ago. The game tips off at 7 p.m.

1. LAST TIME OUT: The Badgers nearly erased a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter, but fell to Ohio State on the road in the final seconds, 70-68. UW went on a 16-5 run in the last three-and-a-half minutes, including three 3-pointers, to come within one point of the Buckeyes with five seconds to go (69-68). Following an OSU missed free throw, the Badgers got the ball back but were unable to get the last-second shot off.

2. MAKING HER MARK: Senior Marsha Howard became the 26th Badger to record 1,000 points in a career when she converted on a three-point play with 6:10 to play in the third quarter. The 6-foot forward finished with 18 points and a team-high eight rebounds

3. THE GILREATH THREAT: Junior Suzanne Gilreath put up a season-high 19 points at Ohio State, shooting 5-9 from 3-point range. She now leads the Badgers with 33 3-pointers this season. Gilreath also shot a perfect 4-4 from the free-throw line and hasn't missed a free throw (7-7) this season.

4. AGAINST ILLINOIS: Illinois broke the all-time series tie breaker against Wisconsin earlier this month after outscoring the Badgers, 78-68, in Champaign. The Fighting Illini now leads 37-36 over the Badgers. Home-court advantage stands true for the two teams as the Badgers lead the series in Madison, 23-11. UW prepares for rematch against Illinois in hopes of splitting the series and tying the all-time series back up.

5. SCOUTING THE FIGHTING ILLINI: Despite a hard-fought contest, the Illini fell to Michigan, 70-56, in a Sunday matchup. Illinois shot 100-percent (10-10) from the free-throw line, the third time this season the Illini were perfect from the charity stripe. UI also outrebounded Michigan, 30-28, including 13 offensive boards. Senior forward Alex Wittinger recorded her eighth double-double of the season with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while junior Courtney Joens and freshman Mackenzie Blazek also shot in double figures adding 10 points each.

Wisconsin

Illinois

Game Coverage

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Suzanne Gilreath

Marsha Howard

University of Wisconsin Athletics