Rapid Reaction: Illinois continues winless conference play in blowout loss to Wisconsin

Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse...

The Wisconsin Badgers battered and bruised the Fighting Illini on their way to a huge victory at the Kohl's Center, led by hot shooting guard Brevin Pritzl and potential Big Ten Player of the Year candidate Ethan Happ.

It started with a torrid first half for Wisconsin, as they shot 61% from the floor on its way to 43 first-half points, led by Pritzl with 13 points.

From there it became a balanced offensive effort as four Wisconsin players were in double digits in scoring, including Happ with 16 points and 10 rebounds and freshman Brad Davidson, who led the Badgers with 18.

For Illinois, Leron Black carried the team offensively with 16 points, followed by Trent Frazier with 11.

The most surprising aspect of this game is how horrendous Illinois' defensive effort turned out to be, considering Wisconsin isn't exactly an offensive powerhouse this year (losing a game earlier this month where they only scored 37 points).

The Badgers took what they wanted around the rim and when Illinois collapsed the lanes, Wisconsin simply executed perimeter perfection, shooting lights out from three.

It was a throwback performance for Wisconsin, harkening to the glory days under Bo Ryan as they bulldozed Illinois on both ends.

For Illinois, what can you say but...wow.

As of now, things are a lot worse than many people assumed. The lack of defense was troubling and offensive execution was severely lacking. Players who were supposed to be looked at as scoring weapons, like Mark Alstork and Mark Smith, have been anything but.

The game comes as just another low point of the season. Brad Underwood is understandably at his wit's end, and he'll try to procure anything from this team.

Illinois may have to wait even longer to pick up a victory as they face No. 9 Michigan State at the State Farm Center next week.