Illinois Fights Their Way to the Round of 32!
Wow, what a game! The Illinois Fighting Illini just punched their ticket to the second round of March Madness after completely dominating Xavier, 86-73. It was a powerhouse performance that sets up a seriously intense matchup against the Kentucky Wildcats. Let's break down what you need to know about this huge game.
Illini vs. Wildcats: A Heavyweight Bout in Milwaukee
The No. 6 seed Illini (22-12) are facing off against the No. 3 seed Kentucky Wildcats (23-11) this Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 4:15 p.m. CT, at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. You can catch all the action on CBS, or stream it on Paramount+. This is going to be a nail-biter, folks.
From Slump to Sweet Sixteen?
Honestly, Illinois's path to March Madness hasn't been a smooth one. They hit a bit of a rough patch late in the season, including a tough loss to Maryland. At that point, I think a lot of us were wondering if they'd even make it to the tournament. You know how sometimes things just spiral? Well, that loss might have been a turning point.
Coach Brad Underwood talked about how that extra time off actually helped the team. They were able to work on some things, improve their communication on the court, and really tighten up their defense. And the results against Xavier? Incredible.
They held Xavier to their lowest field goal percentage in almost two months – a measly 40.3%! That's a testament to their improved teamwork and that killer defensive intensity. And their rebounding? Dominating. They grabbed 20 more boards than Xavier – it was total control.
Facing the Wildcats: A Real Test
Kentucky is a huge challenge. They’re a strong team. But the Illini's recent performance shows they're ready to compete at this level. I think this game will come down to Illinois's improved defense and their ability to dominate the boards like they did against Xavier. Can they keep this momentum going and make it to the Sweet Sixteen? We'll find out on Sunday!
Where to Watch (and Maybe Place a Bet)
The game's at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, this Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 4:15 p.m. CT. Tune in on CBS or Paramount+. As for betting odds... those vary depending on where you look, so check your favorite sportsbook for the latest lines.
This is one you won't want to miss! Go Illini!
