The Wisconsin Badgers are gearing up for a significant matchup against the No. 8 ranked Illinois tonight at the State Farm Center, seeking their second top-10 road victory of the season. The team is anticipated to be at full strength, as sophomore player Johnny Rapp is expected to return to the rotation after being sidelined with an illness.
This will mark Rapp”s return after missing four conference games this season, following a stint earlier in January due to an ankle injury. The Badgers greatly felt his absence, particularly after he delivered one of his best performances, scoring all 19 of his points in the first half of a previous game.
Head Coach Greg Gard noted Rapp”s impact on the game, stating, “Their ability to squeeze the paint and plug and keep the ball in front of them is easier to do when we have fewer shooters on the floor. He”s coming off a really good game.” Rapp has averaged 8.9 points and 3.7 rebounds this season, with shooting percentages of 41.5 from the field and 31.5 from beyond the arc. He has also made strides on the defensive side, which had previously caused him to lose his starting position.
Despite not scoring in the second half against Ohio State, Rapp made notable contributions, such as securing an offensive rebound from senior Bruce Thornton to extend a possession, effectively managing defensive switches against the Ohio State guards, and forcing a shot-clock violation. Gard praised Rapp”s development, remarking, “We tend to forget he was just a freshman last year, and he jumped right up to the Big Ten. That comes with a lot of difficulties. He”s been able to navigate through that. That”s been more impressive than anything he”s done on the court.”
Illinois, coming off a strong performance, has won 12 of its last 13 games and has historically dominated the series against the Badgers, winning nine of the last ten encounters. The Illini are favored by 11.5 points in this clash, adding to the challenge for Wisconsin.
