The No. 6-seeded Illinois will battle the No. 3-seeded Kentucky in the second round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship on Sunday night in the Midwest Region at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The No. 3-seeded Wildcats head into the second round with a 23-11 record overall and a national rank of No. 15. They finished 10-8 in the Southeastern Conference, one of the best in college basketball. However, they bowed out of the conference tournament with a loss to the No. 5-ranked nationally Alabama by 29 points in the quarterfinals.
How to Watch Kentucky vs Illinois in Men’s College Basketball Today:
Game Date: Sunday, Mar. 23, 2025
Game Time: 5:15 p.m. ET
TV: CBS
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In the first round of the NCAA Tournament, they matched up with No. 14-seeded Troy and almost came away with a 20-point win. In the 76-57 win, Kentucky was led by a 20-point night from Otega Oweh, shooting 8-for-13, with eight rebounds and six assists. Amari Williams only had five points, but he pulled down a massive 13 rebounds with four assists.
The No. 6-seeded Fighting Illini are 22-12 overall this season and finished as the No. 24-ranked team in the nation. They lost in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament against the No. 11-ranked Maryland by 23 points after beating Iowa. In the first round of the NCAA Tournament, after receiving an at-large bid, Illinois matched up with No. 11 seed Xavier.
The Musketeers just took down Texas on Thursday to advance to the first round; however, Illinois marched away with an 86-73 win. Will Riley had 22 points on 8-of-12 shooting and four rebounds. Kasparas Jakucionis was one rebound away from a triple-double with 16 points, nine rebounds, and 10 assists. Tomislav Ivisic had 20 points and 10 rebounds as well.
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