Preview: Wisconsin Badgers at Illinois Fighting Illini CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Interstat) — The Illinois women’s basketball team looks to solidify its standing in the Big Ten when it hosts a struggling Wisconsin squad on Wednesday night at State Farm Center. The Fighting Illini (16-8) enter the contest having dropped two straight, including a 70-62 home loss to Southern California on Sunday. Despite the recent setbacks, Illinois holds a clear advantage in the conference standings over the visiting Badgers (13-11), who have lost four consecutive games. Illinois will lean on guard Destiny Jackson, who is coming off a 17-point, 8-assist performance against USC. Over her last seven games, Jackson has averaged 11.3 points and 5.1 assists, serving as the primary facilitator for the Illini offense. Her backcourt leadership will be key against a Wisconsin team eager to stop its skid. The Badgers are coming off a heartbreaking 91-86 overtime loss to Washington on Sunday. In that game, forward Gift Uchenna posted a dominant double-double with 24 points and 12 rebounds. Uchenna’s production has been volatile, however, ranging from a 22-point effort in a win over Nebraska to a 3-point outing in a loss to Ohio State last month. Wisconsin will need a consistent performance from her to challenge Illinois on the road. Recent history adds another layer for the Illini, who have lost three of their last four at home. Protecting their court will be a priority as they navigate the final stretch of the conference schedule. Following this matchup, Illinois will host Rutgers on Feb. 17. Wisconsin continues its road trip with a visit to Minnesota on Feb. 15. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. CST Wednesday in Champaign.