MILWAUKEE, WI (Chambana Today) – Illinois advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament with an 86-73 victory over No. 11 Xavier in the first round. The Fighting Illini were led by freshman Will Riley, who scored a game-high 22 points, setting the Illinois freshman scoring record for an NCAA Tournament game. Riley’s impressive performance included eight consecutive field goals after starting 0-for-3, and he finished 8-for-12 from the field, including 3-for-4 from three-point range.
Tomislav Ivisic also put on a dominant show, registering a double-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks. Ivisic set the NCAA Tournament record for three-pointers by a player 7-feet or taller, finishing with four triples in the contest. Kasparas Jakucionis contributed with 16 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds, while Kylan Boswell added 15 points and five rebounds. Jakucionis’ 10 assists set a new Illinois freshman record for an NCAA Tournament game, surpassing Dee Brown’s mark from 2003. The Illini shot lights out from beyond the arc, connecting on 12 of 30 attempts for a 40% shooting clip, and were perfect at the free-throw line, going 18-for-18.
Illinois’ defense was equally impressive, outrebounding Xavier 45-25, including 10 offensive boards that led to 10 second-chance points. The Illini’s dominance on both ends of the floor allowed them to control the game, holding a lead for over 34 minutes.
With this victory, Coach Brad Underwood’s squad now holds a 46-35 all-time record in the NCAA Tournament and has won six of their last seven opening-round games. Illinois will look to continue their tournament run as they move on to the next round.