Tomorrow will mark the fifth time that the Illinois Fighting Illini face the Kentucky Wildcats in the NCAA Tournament. UK has won all four of the previous meetings: 1942 Elite Eight: 46-44,1949 Final Four 76-47, 1951 Final Four 76-74 and 1984 Elite Eight 54-51. That last one has a special historical significance, as it was played at Rupp Arena and thereby gave UK an unfair … [Read more...] about Last Illini vs Kentucky Tournament Matchup Inspired a New NCAA Rule
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When Illinois Basketball Got Shafted in the Tourney, and the NCAA Changed Rules
Editor's Note: As Illinois basketball is currently back in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, we now update, revise and augment this article from May of 2013. Illinois basketball has beaten a higher seeded team in the NCAA Tournament just twice in school history. However, they came extremely close to doing it a third time this past March. … [Read more...] about When Illinois Basketball Got Shafted in the Tourney, and the NCAA Changed Rules
Illinois Basketball: NCAA Tournament 1st Weekend News and Notes
The 2024-25 Illinois basketball team will begin their NCAA Tournament in Milwaukee on Friday night against the winner of Wednesday night's Texas vs. Xavier First Four play-in game. Illinois basketball coach Brad Underwood will no doubt have his team believing: "We're gonna make our dreams come true...Doin' it our way...Nothin's gonna turn us back now. Straight ahead and on … [Read more...] about Illinois Basketball: NCAA Tournament 1st Weekend News and Notes
Illini Basketball: 2025 NCAA Tournament Weekend 1 Preview
For the 2024-25 Illinois Fighting Illini basketball team, the March Madness destination is Milwaukee and the Fiserv Forum, home of the 2021 NBA Champion Milwaukee Bucks. Their opponent will be the winner of the Texas-Xavier play-in game tomorrow evening. Fun fact- this is the first time the Illini will face a play-in game winner in their opening NCAA Tournament game. … [Read more...] about Illini Basketball: 2025 NCAA Tournament Weekend 1 Preview
Illinois Basketball: Offensive Rebounding the Biggest Difference Maker
Much has been made about how all-or-nothing Illinois basketball can be this season. As conveyed by RG, this is a team whose fortunes often rise and fall with their shooting percentages. However, as you saw tonight in the 106-94 throttling of the Iowa Hawkeyes, in the Big Ten Tournament's second round, offensive rebounding is maybe the true indicator to their success. … [Read more...] about Illinois Basketball: Offensive Rebounding the Biggest Difference Maker
Illini Basketball: Big Ten Tournament History Preluding Results?
The Illini basketball program will always hold a special distinction when it comes to the Big Ten Tournament. From the event's inception, in 1998, all the way until 2012, they either advanced to or automatically qualified into the quarterfinal round. No one else can say that. In fact, there have only been six Big Ten Tournaments in which the Illini didn't play in a … [Read more...] about Illini Basketball: Big Ten Tournament History Preluding Results?
Illinois Basketball vs #18 Purdue Boilermakers Stats, Metrics, Trends, Prediction
Illinois basketball hosts #18 Purdue for a senior night affair that's crucial for NCAA Tournament seeding. There are no Big Ten title implications for this contest, but both sides need to a win to hold the line- the March Madness seeding line. This Illinois basketball team is back on the #7 line, but could still work their way up to the #6. Purdue is currently one of those … [Read more...] about Illinois Basketball vs #18 Purdue Boilermakers Stats, Metrics, Trends, Prediction
Illinois Basketball Season Declining Due to Overreliance on Three Point Shooting
This 2024-25 Illinois basketball season is getting rapidly redefined downward, unfortunately, and it's largely due to the team's overreliance on three point shooting. They are embodying the cliche of "live and die by the three" to the utmost. Tonight at home versus #11 Michigan State, they came out of the gates guns blazing, knocking down several three point attempts. Early … [Read more...] about Illinois Basketball Season Declining Due to Overreliance on Three Point Shooting
Terrence Shannon Jr. Went to the MSU Locker Room to Congratulate Tom Izzo
In any given field, you have certain individuals who just simply achieve rarified air: Marc Andreessen in software engineering, Taylor Swift in music, Kristin Juszczyk in fashion design. Michigan State coach Tom Izzo is that for Big Ten men's basketball, and current Minnesota Timberwolves G/F and Illini great Terrence Shannon Jr. recognized that. … [Read more...] about Terrence Shannon Jr. Went to the MSU Locker Room to Congratulate Tom Izzo
Illinois Basketball Game Preview vs #11 Michigan State Spartans
This Illinois basketball team is now starting to stack up quality wins. And with the #11 Michigan State Spartans coming to town on Saturday night, for a nationally televised (on regular, free over-the-air television, not the usual subscription streaming service bs) marquee matchup, an opportunity for a true "signature win" awaits. … [Read more...] about Illinois Basketball Game Preview vs #11 Michigan State Spartans