The No. 3 seed in the Midwest Region Kentucky Wildcats(23-11) will take on the No. 6 seed Illinois Fighting Illini(22-12) in the 2nd Round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. This game will take place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin Sunday evening.
The Wildcats advanced following a dominant performance against Troy. Illinois also put together a strong game to advance to the next round. These teams are no strangers to one another. They have faced off 15 previous times. UK holds an 11-4 record. These teams last played in the 1984 Elite Eight. The Wildcats won 54-51. Which team will win this matchup and advance to the Sweet Sixteen?
Kentucky Wildcats Dominate To Keep Dancing
The Wildcats were locked in a close game with Troy until late in the first half. They pulled away late to take an 8-point lead into the locker room. They coasted to victory in the second half. UK walked away with a 76-57 victory. The Wildcats had a strong game on offense shooting 47.5% from the field and 38.5% from deep.
Kentucky’s offense was led by Otega Oweh. He scored a game-high 20 points. Center Amari Williams, one of the nation’s best rebounders, had 13 boards. If these players can continue playing well, the Wildcats can go on a deep tournament run.
Illinois Fighting Illini Survive and Advance
The Illini had a solid game in the Round of 64. They withstood multiple runs by Xavier to keep their dancing shoes on. Illinois was the better team on Friday and outlasted the Musketeers. Their offense led the way in the victory. They shot 48.3% from the field, 40% from three-point forward, and 18-of-18 from the free-throw line.
The Illini’s best player, Guard Kasparas Jakucionis, made history in the win against Xavier. He finished with 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists. He became the second freshman to have at least 15 points, 10 assists, and 5 rebounds in an NCAA Tournament game. Jakucionis joined Georgia Tech’s Kenny Anderson as the other freshman to accomplish the feat. Jakucionis will need to continue playing well for the Illini to advance.
Final Thoughts
Even though Kentucky is a higher seed, they are 1.5-point underdogs in a game that should be high-scoring. The winner will have to need their offense to show up on Sunday. Neither defense will be able to slow down the opposing offense. Kentucky made it through a gauntlet in the SEC. That will help them win a close game against Illinois and advance to the Sweet Sixteen.
