Illini basketball team will take on Villanova in the 2014 Jimmy V Men’s Classic on Tuesday, Dec. 9. The teams will square off in the first game of a doubleheader at 6 p.m. CST from Madison Square Garden. ESPN will televise both games, each of which features a Big Ten side.
It’s Indiana vs. Louisville in the prime time tilt. Illinois replaces Maryland – which due to scheduling issues – will now play in the 2016 Jimmy V Classic.
Illini basketball return all five starters from last year’s team that won 20 games and advanced to the NIT Second Round. Seniors Ravyonte Rice, Tracy Abrams and Nnanna Egwu (who I’ve actually seen in a couple 2015 NBA mock drafts) will be the leaders of this Illini basketball team.
“Illinois is a great addition to the 2014 Jimmy V Men’s Classic doubleheader,” said Nick Dawson, and ESPN director of programming. “Their matchup against Villanova, followed by Indiana facing Louisville, gives the event two competitive games that will drive tremendous awareness to The V Foundation and the mission to beat cancer”
The Illini basketball series with Villanova dates back to 1938 with the two teams meeting six times and splitting the series. Nova won the most recent meeting, 66-63 victory in the 1988 Elite 8. Illinois will be much improved next year, but so will the Wildcats. I’m not too high on the chances of Illini basketball pulling this one out.
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