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Mar 8, 2025; St. Louis, MO, Valparaiso Beacons guard All Wright (3) reacts after scoring during the first half against the Bradley Braves at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois Basketball In Contact With High-Level Shooter in The Transfer Portal

Brad Underwood and his staff have reached out Valparaiso guard All Wright - who was named the MVC Rookie of The Year

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Illinois Basketball In Contact With High-Level Shooter in The Transfer Portal

Brad Underwood and his staff have reached out Valparaiso guard All Wright - who was named the MVC Rookie of The Year

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Mar 21, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA: Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic (13) drives to the hoop past Xavier Musketeers guard Dayvion McKnight (20) during the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

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Illinois Basketball's Tomislav Ivisic on What Comes Next

If the Illini can keep the 7-1 center in the fold, he could be the biggest piece of next season's Illinois basketball puzzle

Mar 23, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) reacts after losing to the Kentucky Wildcats in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

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Why Illinois Basketball's Season Fell Short - And What's Next

The Illini bowed out in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, but they now turn the page to what should be a bright future

Mar 23, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope reacts during the second half in the second round of the NCAA Tournament against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Fiserv Forum.

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Kentucky Coach Mark Pope Embraces, Praises Illinois Star Will Riley After Game

Kentucky coach Mark Pope was among the first to embrace Illinois star Will Riley after the second-round game. He quickly praised the former Kentucky recruiting target as well.

Mar 23, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Lamont Butler (1) dribbles against Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) during the second half in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

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3 Key Numbers From Illinois' Loss to Kentucky in the NCAA Tournament

The Illini struggled to take care of the ball and connect on their threes in a season-ending loss to the Wildcats

Mar 23, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) drives to the basket against Kentucky Wildcats guard Koby Brea (4) during the first half in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

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Social Media Heats Up After Kentucky's Round of 32 Win Against Illinois

Even as the Illini went down – and out – against the Wildcats in the NCAA Tournament, the internet remains undefeated

Mar 23, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) goes for a loose ball against Kentucky Wildcats guard Otega Oweh (00) during the second half in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

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Slipped Away: Illinois' Season Ends in NCAA Tournament Loss to Kentucky

The Illini saw opportunity slip through their grasp amid a storm of sloppy ball-handling and poor defense

Feb 25, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Genesis Bryant (1) shoots against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images

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How to Watch: Illinois Women vs. Texas in NCAA Tournament Second Round

The Illini seek to pull off a massive upset and stay alive in the Big Dance on Monday in Austin, Texas

Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) goes up for a basket Friday, March 14, 2025, in a quarterfinals game at the 2025 TIAA Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament between the Maryland Terrapins and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Maryland Terrapins defeated the Illinois Fighting Illini, 88-65.

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3 Bold Predictions for Illinois vs. Kentucky in NCAA Tournament Second Round

Our Magic 8 Ball tells us to expect next-level offense from the Illini's Kasparas Jakucionis and Wildcats' Otega Oweh

Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) drives up to the basket as Xavier guard Dayvion McKnight (20) attempts to guard him during the second half of their first round NCAA men’ s basketball tournament game on Friday March 21, 2025 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wis.

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3 Big Questions for Illinois vs. Kentucky in the NCAA Tournament Second Round

The well-matched Illini and Wildcats appear set to put on an offensive showcase in Milwaukee on Sunday

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How Will Riley Rescued His Freshman Season to Become Illinois' Shining Star

Mired in midseason struggles after an explosive debut, Riley came around and is finally ready for his role

Feb 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Shauna Green and Illinois Fighting Illini forward Brynn Shoup-Hill (23) during the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

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Illinois Women's Basketball Takes First NCAA Tournament Win in 25 Years

The Illini extended an improbable season with a 66-57 win over Creighton in Saturday's first-round matchup

Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood watches the action Friday, March 14, 2025, in a quarterfinals game at the 2025 TIAA Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament between the Maryland Terrapins and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

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Illinois' Brad Underwood Breaks Down Kentucky's Versatile Offense

The Illini coach says the Wildcats "can hurt you in a lot of different ways" – and he would know

Mar 21, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Illinois guard Kylan Boswell (4) and Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) celebrate their victory over Xavier at the end of their first round NCAA men’ s basketball tournament game at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jovanny Hernandez/USA Today Network via Imagn Images

Basketball

ESPN Predicts Illinois vs. Kentucky: Which Team Will Keep Dancing?

The Illini and Wildcats appear poised for a nail-biter, as ESPN has one squad as a very slight favorite

Mar 21, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA: Illinois Fighting Illini forward Ben Humrichous (3) shoots a three point basket against the Xavier Musketeers during the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

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ESPN's Jeff Borzello Explains the Key for Illinois to Take Down Kentucky

Borzello focuses on the Illini's reliance on the three-pointer and how it may determine their Round of 32 fate

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Stunning Stat Reveals How Long It Has Been Since Illinois Last Faced Kentucky

The Illini and Wildcats haven't met in more than 40 years – back when the game was played much differently

Mar 21, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA: Illinois Fighting Illini forward Will Riley (7) drives to the hoop past Xavier Musketeers guard Marcus Foster (1) during the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

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How to Watch: Illinois vs. Kentucky in NCAA Tournament Second Round

Two high-scoring offenses get set to meet in what is shaping up as a second-round shootout in Milwaukee on Sunday

February 20, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; TNT broadcaster Ernie Johnson Jr. after the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

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Ernie Johnson on Illinois' Performance Against Xavier: 'You Believe in Illinois'

The legendary sportscaster was impressed by the Illini's showing in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament

Mar 21, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA: Illinois Fighting Illini forward Will Riley (7) drives to the hoop past Xavier Musketeers forward Jerome Hunter (2) during the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

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John Fanta After Illinois' Win Over Xavier: 'The Illini Can Absolutely Make a Run'

Fanta, FOX's college basketball expert, believes Illinois' offense can carry it to unforeseen heights

Mar 21, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA: Illinois Fighting Illini forward Will Riley (7) gestures during the second half against the Xavier Musketeers at Fiserv Forum.

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Illinois’ Will Riley Shines in NCAA Tournament as Social Media Erupts

Right when Xavier looked set to make it a one-point game against Illinois, freshman star Will Riley began an all-time second half performance.

Jan 21, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns former player Charles Barkley in attendance at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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Charles Barkley's Hilarious Halftime Blunder in Illinois' NCAA Tournament Game

The NBA legend, a bit distracted, was ultimately unable to analyze Illinois' performance against Xavier

Mar 21, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA: Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) reacts during the second half against the Xavier Musketeers at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

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Social Media Buzzes About Illinois' NCAA Tournament Win Over Xavier

The Illini's excellent performance drew out college basketball experts and fans from all over the country

Mar 21, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA: Illinois Fighting Illini forward Will Riley (7) drives to the hoop past Xavier Musketeers guard Dayvion McKnight (20) during the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

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Illinois Overcomes Shaky Start to Bounce Xavier From NCAA Tournament

Freshman forward Will Riley got loose in the second half Friday to leave behind the Musketeers

Mar 21, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Marcus Domask (3) shoots over Morehead State Eagles forward Dieonte Miles (23) in the first half during the first round of the NCAA Tournament at CHI Health Center Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images

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Celebrating Former Illini Marcus Domask's Historic NCAA Tournament Gem

Domask logged the 10th triple-double in March Madness history when Illinois beat Morehead State in last year's opening round

Feb 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Genesis Bryant (1) dribbles the ball up the court as UCLA Bruins guard Elina Aarnisalo (7) defend during the second quarter at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

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How to Watch: Illinois Women vs. Creighton in NCAA Tournament First Round

The Illini face a seasoned Bluejays in seeking their first NCAA Tournament win in 25 years