Preview: Illinois Hosts Wisconsin in Big Ten Showdown CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Interstat) — A pivotal Big Ten clash awaits Tuesday night as the Illinois Fighting Illini host the Wisconsin Badgers at State Farm Center. Illinois (20-4, 11-2 Big Ten) enters as one of the conference’s top teams but looks to rebound from a rare stumble, an 85-82 overtime loss at Michigan State on Saturday. The Fighting Illini had won seven straight prior to that defeat. They are led by guard David Mirkovic, who is averaging 14.1 points and 4.1 assists. He scored 18 points with six assists in the loss to the Spartans. Wisconsin (16-7, 8-4) also seeks redemption after a heartbreaking 78-77 overtime loss at Indiana on Saturday. The Badgers have lost two of their last three after a five-game winning streak. Their fortunes hinge on forward Nolan Winter, who is in the midst of a stellar stretch. Winter is averaging 16.3 points and 8.1 rebounds over his last seven games, including a 26-point, 12-rebound performance against Indiana. The matchup features a contrast in season trajectories. Illinois has dominated at home, boasting a 12-1 record in Champaign, while Wisconsin is 4-4 in true road games. The Fighting Illini’s potent offense, which averages 81.2 points per game, will test a Wisconsin defense allowing just 70.7. Tuesday’s game is a critical opportunity for Illinois to solidify its standing atop the conference and for Wisconsin to secure a résumé-boosting road win. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. CST. The game will be televised on the Big Ten Network. For Illinois, the contest begins a challenging three-game homestand before a West Coast trip. Wisconsin continues a tough stretch of schedule before hosting Michigan State on Friday.