4 instant reactions from Wisconsin basketball dismantling Illinois

The Illinois Fighting Illini have had the Wisconsin Badgers number for years now, but that came crashing down in the Kohl Center on Tuesday night as UW won 95-74. The game was never much closer than six or seven points and the Badgers were able to continually keep the Illini at arm's reach. It was a statement win after losing to them earlier this year and now they stay in the race for the Big Ten crown. Here are four instant reactions from the game:

1. John Tonje is really good

This seems obvious and relatively monotinous as this could be posted after most of the games this season. However, he put up another 30-point performance and ended with 31 points, three rebounds, and four steals (!).

His offense was automatic; it seemed as if he made everything he shot, and he created his own shot multiple times when the offense needed it. He also was pretty electric on the defensive end of the floor. That wasn't really part of his billing to start the season, but he has grown into a defensive wizard. Four steals in this one is big-time.

2. Steven Crowl came hungry and left happy

Crowl has been a bit up and down this season, but something got him fired up for this one. He was making buckets at all levels of the game. He went 3-3 from three and ended with 20 points. He also had seven rebounds and five assists.

3. Wisconsin defense kept the Illini rattled

Kasparas Jakucionis is the leading scorer coming into this game for the Illini, and he was stifled all night. He couldn't find a way to score consistently. That is one great example of how the Badger defense was pesky and annoying. Wisconsin finished with 12 steals. 12! They also limited the Illini to only 74 points. Illinois has only had seven games all season with less than 75 points scored. They are known for being north of 80 on a consistent basis.

4. The Badgers are a really good team and they are getting hot at the right time

It was hard not to watch this team dismantle Illinois and not look ahead. This team is operating in an amazing way and the Badgers are doing it at the right time. The end of the season when hot teams can go on deep runs.