CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — The Illini men’s basketball will open NCAA Tournament play Thursday night as a No. 3 seed, taking on No. 14 seed Penn Quakers men’s basketball in the first round.
The game is scheduled for 8:25 p.m. Central Time at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville and will be broadcast on TNT.
Illinois enters the tournament with a 24-8 overall record after finishing near the top of the Big Ten standings. The Illini are making their sixth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance and 36th overall. Under head coach Brad Underwood, the program has re-established itself as a consistent postseason contender, including an Elite Eight run in 2024.
The Illini are led by standout freshman Keaton Wagler, who averages nearly 18 points per game and was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year. Senior guard Kylan Boswell and freshman forward David Mirkovic also provide key contributions on both ends of the floor.
Illinois holds a 6-0 all-time record against Penn, including a previous NCAA Tournament win in 2000. The Illini have also been strong in opening-round games, winning their first matchup in six of their last seven tournament appearances.
Penn enters the matchup at 18-11, representing the Ivy League as a No. 14 seed and looking to pull off an early-round upset.