Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis drives between Wisconsin Badgers forward Carter Gilmore and Nolan Winter. Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois gets massive upset win over No. 20 Wisconsin after falling out of Top 25

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Dec 10, 2024 10:57 PM ET

After falling out of the AP Top 25, Illinois responded with an 86-80 victory over Wisconsin.

It was the Fighting Illini's ninth straight victory over the Badgers.

Battle-tested. Battle won.#Illini | #HTTO | #EveryDayGuys pic.twitter.com/zOXYbLw0PC
— Illinois Men's Basketball (@IlliniMBB) December 11, 2024

Illinois got an outstanding performance from freshman Kasparas Jakucionis in what was the best game of his young college career.

Jakucionis finished with 24 points, six rebounds and five assists. He shot an efficient 8-of-15 from the field and 4-of-8 from three.

Illinois freshman Kasparas Jakucionis in the win over #20 Wisconsin

24 points
6 boards
5 assists
8-15 FG
4-8 3P
4-4 FT

Has been playing some elite basketball against some great comp. Has been knocking the 3 at a great clip and making some big time plays for the illini pic.twitter.com/O2Ffjivde2
— nbadraftpoint (@draftpoint2024) December 11, 2024

Tre White (23 points) and Kylan Boswell (19 points) were the other two Fighting Illini players in double figures. Tomislav Ivisic had a near double-double with nine points and eleven rebounds.

Nolan Winter was the best player on the court for Wisconsin as he finished with 15 points and seven rebounds.

John Tonje (14 points), Max Klesmit (13 points) and John Blackwell (10 points) were all in double figures for the Badgers.

Tre White CLEANS UP ‼️ @IlliniMBB #B1GMBBall on Peacock pic.twitter.com/4NfH7jNWZL
— Big Ten Men's Basketball (@B1GMBBall) December 11, 2024

Wisconsin will face the Butler Bulldogs, who were upset by North Dakota State on Tuesday, on Saturday.

Illinois will welcome in the No. 1 Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday in what should be an excellent environment at State Farm Center.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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