Illinois is off to an impressive start against Wisconsin on Saturday afternoon.

The No. 25 Illini lead the No. 23 Badgers 37-26 on the road at halftime. Illinois is coming off a win over Nebraska earlier in the week.

Illinois is also without its best player, Ayo Dosunmu, due to a facial injury that he suffered in a loss to Michigan State on Tuesday. Dosunmu is also a candidate for Big Ten and National Player of the Year.

Starting guard Da’Monte Williams has filled in as Illinois’ primary scorer so far, pouring in a team-high 10 first half points. Andre Curbelo has also been effective off the bench, adding seven points and one assist.

Illinois was especially impressive on defense in the first half. No Badger starter scored more than four points in the opening stanza.

Both teams are securely in the NCAA Tournament at this point, but the fight for seeding is still there.

Selection Sunday is on March 14.