MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin opened Wednesday night’s match fast and physical. The type of play Illinois coach Kevin Hambly has come to expect from his team — particularly the physical part.
That’s the Illini’s calling card. Physical play at the net is what Illinois prides itself on.
It’s something the No. 7 Illini struggled with Wednesday night against the No. 19 Badgers. Illinois didn’t match Wisconsin’s physicality early in the match and despite regaining form to win the third set couldn’t finish the match in a 25-16, 25-21, 21-25, 25-22 loss.
“We played weak,” Hambly said.