Illinois coach Brad Underwood credited his team’s still-developing culture after the No. 5 Illini’s win over No. 23 Wisconsin on Saturday.

Illinois won the game despite not having Ayo Dosunmu — a legitimate National Player of the Year candidate. Dosunmu is out due to a facial injury he suffered against Michigan State on Tuesday.

“It’s another step in what I hope is our culture,” Underwood told reporters after the game.

Andre Curbelo and Da’Monte Williams filled the scoring role in the back court, pouring in 17 points and 12 points, respectively. Center Kofi Cockburn scored a team-high 19 points.

The Illini had to fight off a rally from Wisconsin’s D’Mitrik Trice, who scored the Badgers’ final 19 points.

“It wasn’t pretty on either end, but guess what, when you’re on the road and you’re at the end of February, who gives a dang?” Undwerood said.

Illinois now has just two remaining regular season games, but they’re both massive tests — at No. 3 Michigan and at No. 4 Ohio State. Illinois’ pursuit of a No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament could come down to how they do in those games.

Selection Sunday is on March 14.