The Illinois Fighting Illini are set to host the Wisconsin Badgers in their Big Ten home opener on Tuesday, December 12, 2024. The game will take place at the State Farm Center in Champaign, with tip-off scheduled for 8 PM CT. Illinois enters the matchup with a record of 4-4, having won their last game against the Eastern Illinois Panthers. A significant focus of the game for the Fighting Illini will be to capitalize on their home advantage as they strive to improve their season standing.
In their previous encounters, the Badgers have faced a challenging stretch, notably losing their last two games. This outing marks an opportunity for Wisconsin, currently ranked 20th, to snap that losing streak. Their recent performance has been under scrutiny, and Coach Greg Gard emphasized the need for his team to regain their composure and execute on both ends of the court. “We’re looking to find our rhythm again,” Gard stated during a recent press conference.
Fans can catch the action live on the Big Ten Network or stream it online on platforms offering access to the network. Both teams have a storied rivalry, and this game is expected to be a hard-fought battle as each squad aims to assert dominance early in the Big Ten season. The Fighting Illini will look to their key players to lead the charge, as they take on the Badgers who are also eager to return to winning ways with a focus on improving their defensive strategies.
