Illinois will be without one of its leading rebounders for Tuesday's game at Wisconsin
The Illinois Fighting Illini will be without forward Morez Johnson Jr. when they visit the Wisconsin Badgers on Tuesday night.
Johnson Jr. has been ruled out indefinitely with a broken wrist, according to head coach Brad Underwood. The injury occurred late in the second half of the team's 79-65 loss to Michigan State on Saturday. Johnson rose to block a shot in transition and was undercut by the offensive player, causing him to fall with his entire weight on his wrist and hand. Here is the play. The standout freshman forward went on to play the rest of the game, recording three rebounds and a steal. He has since been ruled out indefinitely.
The absence is significant for Illinois' chances both on Tuesday and through the rest of the season. Johnson Jr. accounts for 7.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game. He's the team's second-leading rebounder, slotted only behind center Tomislav Ivisic (8.5 rebounds per game).
Illinois as a team is second in the nation in rebounding, corralling a whopping 56.9% of the missed shot opportunities. That interior dominance defines the team's identity and success to date.
Rebounding, by no surprise, helped to decide Illinois' narrow win over Wisconsin earlier this season. The Fighting Illini grabbed 40 rebounds to Wisconsin's 29, creating a mismatch that was only furthered by the Badgers going just 14-of-21 from the free-throw line. The area is arguably the biggest key to a Wisconsin win in Tuesday's rematch. Without Johnson Jr. on the court, the Badgers should be better equipped to handle their rival's dominant interior production.
Wisconsin is up to No. 11 in the AP Poll following its signature win over Purdue on Saturday. Illinois, meanwhile, is down in the 'receiving votes' section after going just 5-5 in its last 10 games.
The two teams are set for an 8:30 p.m. ET, 7:30 p.m. CT tipoff from the Kohl Center. Wisconsin is looking to end a nine-game losing streak to Illinois. Watch for how the game is contested on the glass, plus for how much of an impact Johnson Jr.'s absence has, if any.
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