Cockburn, Dosunmu Lead No. 12 Illinois Past No. 19 Wisconsin
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Kofi Cockburn scored 23 points, Ayo Dosunmu added 21 and No. 12 Illinois beat No. 19 Wisconsin 75-60 on Saturday in a key Big Ten Conference matchup.
Dosunmu also had 12 rebounds and 12 assists for only the third triple-double in school history. Cockburn had 14 rebounds and recorded his eighth double-double in nine games for Illinois (13-5, 9-3).
D'Mitrik Trice scored 19 points and Nate Reuvers added 11 for Wisconsin (14-6, 8-5).
Illinois outrebounded the Badgers 46-18. The Illini shot 54% (28 of 52) from the field to Wisconsin's 41% (24 of 58).
Illinois continued to struggle with turnovers, as it has all season, committing 18 to Wisconsin's 11. But the Badgers had trouble converting the turnovers to points.
Illinois led by as many as 13 points in the first half and controlled both ends of the court. Cockburn had 12 points and 10 rebounds by halftime.
BIG PICTURE
Illinois was able to play its customary up-tempo game against a Badgers team known for holding the ball and working the shot clock. It was the ability to run that allowed Illinois to control the game from the opening tip.
POLL IMPLICATIONS
Illinois could vault into the top 10 with the win, while Wisconsin will slip a couple of positions but should stay in the Top 25.
UP NEXT
Wisconsin: Plays at Nebraska on Thursday.
Illinois: Was scheduled to play #4 Michigan In a much-anticipated battle for the conference lead on Thursday, but the game was postponed due to COVID-19 protocols with the Wolverines. Illinois is not scheduled to play again until it hosts Northwestern on Feb. 16.
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