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MADISON, Wisconsin (Ticker) -- Illinois was the latest team to find out that the Kohl Center is not an easy place to play. Michael Wilkinson scored seven points in the final 2:56 of the contest, helping Wisconsin post a 72-66 upset of No. 7 Illinois in a Big Ten Conference matchup. Two weeks ago, the Badgers handed then-No. 15 Marquette its first loss of the season at the Kohl Center, posting an impressive 86-73 victory. The Badgers are 5-1 at home this season and have won 40 of their last 48 homes games. On Saturday, behind Wilkinson and Charlie Wills, who scored 16 of his 19 points in the second half, Wisconsin (8-7, 1-1 Big Ten) snapped the Fighting Illini's six-game winning streak. Wilkinson gave the Badgers the lead for good at 65-63 with 2:56 to play following a three-point play in which he grabbed a rebound over Cory Bradford before scoring and getting fouled. He added four free throws in the final 72 seconds. Robert Archibald had 17 points and eight rebounds before fouling out late in the second half for Illinois (12-3, 1-1), which was seeking its first seven-game winning streak since February 2-27, 2000. With fellow big men Brian Cook and Nick Smith in foul trouble, Archibald was a force on the interior for the Illini in the second half and gave them their last lead at 63-62 with 3:25 left on a layup. But Archibald had his own foul problems and was whistled for his fifth with just under 90 seconds to play following a turnover by Frank Williams. After Williams lost control of the ball and Archibald's foul, Wilkinson sank a pair of foul shots to give the Badgers a 70-65 advantage with 72 seconds remaining. Freshman Luther Head made 1-of-2 of foul shots for with 60 seconds left, but the Illini could get no closer. Freshman Devin Harris added 17 points for Wisconsin, which rebounded from a 69-57 loss at No. 9 Iowa on Wednesday. The Illini appeared to be in control early in the second half, opening a 37-29 lead on a dunk by Cook. But he was whistled for a technical foul for hanging on the rim, giving the Badgers momentum. After Kirk Penney hit 1-of-2 free throws, Illinois coach Bill Self was called for a technical for arguing the call on Cook. Harris made the ensuing two free throws and Dave Mader drilled a jumper, pulling the Badgers within 37-34. Williams nailed a 3-pointer and a basket by Smith restored an eight-point cushion for the Illini. But the Badgers came all the way back and then some, using a 13-2 run, capped by a pair of free throws by Wills for a 47-44 advantage with 10:32 remaining. Wills finished 5-of-6 from the field, including making 3-of-4 shots from 3-point range. Bradford added 13 points and Williams 12 for Illinois, which shot 48 percent (24-of-50) and committed 18 turnovers. Williams had five turnovers. |
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