CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Wisconsin suffered its third-straight loss, dropping an 86-80 contest at Illinois on Tuesday night.

Sophomore forward Nolan Winter led the way for the Badgers (8-3, 0-2 Big Ten) with 15 points, which matched his career high.

Graduate transfer John Tonje (14 points), senior Max Klesmit (13) and sophomore John Blackwell (10) each scored in double figures as well.

The teams traded leads during the first half, with Illinois taking a 39-35 lead into halftime.

Illinois led the entire second half, but Wisconsin remained within striking distance. UW cut the deficit to just four points with 0:28 remaining, but the Illini hit free throws to seal the victory.

The Illini out-rebounded the Badgers, 40-to-29, including a 15-to-11 edge on the offensive glass.

The Badgers entered the game leading the country in free throw shooting, but finished just 14-for-21 at the line.

Up Next

Wisconsin travels to Indianapolis to face Butler in the Indy Cassic on Saturday.