Illinois-Wisconsin storylines

Illinois is 7-0 at home, and Wisconsin has won six straight Big Ten road openers. Something has to give. Protecting its homecourt has been a point of emphasis this season for Illinois. "Our goal is taking pride, not just anticipating you're going to win because you're at home," Weber said. The Illini want to make the Hall an intimidating place to play again. Over the past three seasons, it hasn't been that way, Illinois is averaging more than five home losses during that stretch. There hasn't been a fear factor for the Badgers at the Hall. Wisconsin has won three of its last four visits. That road success isn't unique to the Assembly Hall, either. Over the past five seasons, Wisconsin is 27-18 in true road games, tied with Duke for the fifth-best winning percentage among power conference teams.

Klee