-
-
Follow Us
-
On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
Free Newsletters
On YouTube
ESPN Matchup Predictor Favors Illinois Over VCU in NCAA Tournament Round of 32
After taking care of business against 14th-seeded Penn in the Round of 64, Illinois now has a date set with 11th-seeded VCU out of the Atlantic 10 Conference on Saturday night (6:50 p.m.
Preview: Illinois vs Colorado in the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament
Illinois women’s basketball looks like a team that could be set up to make a run in this NCAA Tournament, but none of that matters unless the Illini take care of the first game in front of them.
Kylan Boswell News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / March 20
Why Kylan Boswell's First-Round Defense Signals Major Upside for Illinois
Especially with Penn’s leading scorer Ethan Roberts sidelined, Illinois’ defensive game plan in Thursday's first-round matchup with the Quakers was likely relatively straightforward: stop TJ Power.
College Basketball News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / March 19
ESPN Ranks NCAA Tournament's Top Players: Where Illinois' Keaton Wagler Lands
The NCAA Tournament features the best of the best. With the top clubs in the nation taking part in the event, naturally most of the country’s elite hoopers are also along for the ride.
KenPom Reveals Illinois’ NCAA Title Chances – Better Than You Think?
It's no secret that Illinois (24-8) hasn't exactly been slinging its fastball in recent weeks, confounding plenty of folks – including certain pundits – who earlier in the season had pegged the Illini as a Final Four club and a trendy pick to win the whole shooting match.
Illinois Fighting Illini News / Big Ten Network / March 18
Illinois Fighting Illini News / Big Ten Network / March 18
5 Key Stats That Could Define Illinois Basketball's 2026 NCAA Tournament Run
Just one sleep stands between Illinois and its 2026 NCAA Tournament opener, a matchup against 14th-seeded Penn in Greenville, South Carolina (8:25 p.m.
Preview: Illinois vs. Penn in the NCAA Tournament
Of course the Fran McCaffery redemption tour would have to come through Illinois and Brad Underwood, the first-year Penn coach's close friend and old nemesis with the Iowa Hawkeyes.
College Basketball News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / March 18
College Basketball Experts Reveal Illinois' 2026 NCAA Tournament Predictions
It's excruciating, isn’t it? After watching college hoops all year long and doing that deep-dive research into KenPom and Bart Torvik, somehow, some way, your goofy cousin who picked his bracket based on team mascots is still going to win the family pool.
Former Illinois Target Plans to Enter Transfer Portal Again – Time to Reconnect?
Finally, the best part of the college basketball calendar year has arrived:Transfer-portal season!OK, not quite. First, we have that boring old NCAA Tournament thing to get through, and then the portal will technically open on April 7.
Why Illinois Has the Pieces to Make a March Madness Run
Illinois (24-8, 15-5 Big Ten) did not exactly close the season looking like a team the rest of college basketball should be terrified of. The Illini stumbled late, let too many winnable games slip away and did not play their sharpest basketball entering the NCAA Tournament.
Brad Underwood News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / March 17
Can Illinois and Brad Underwood Change Their NCAA Tournament Narrative?
Illinois’ Brad Underwood has been around the block. His first NCAA Tournament appearance as a head coach may have come just 12 years ago, but he has made nine more since, and on Thursday, he will take a spin in his 10th Big Dance as a head coach.
One Area of Improvement for Every Illinois Player for the NCAA Tournament
Illinois tips off its 2026 NCAA Tournament in Greenville, South Carolina, on Thursday night (8:25 p.m. CT, TNT) against 14th-seeded Penn . The Illini, who earned a three seed, have faltered over the past month or so, leaving much to be desired during their 4-5 stretch.
College Basketball News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / March 17
Brad Underwood Faces 'Great Friend' Fran McCaffery in NCAA Tournament
Sometimes it feels like the NCAA Tournament selection committee can't resist an intriguing story line when a reasonable opportunity arises to create one.
Jay Bilas News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / March 16
ESPN's Jay Bilas Predicts a Deep Illinois Run – But a Familiar Foe Looms
Back in mid-February, Illinois was on top of the college basketball world. Although the Illini may not have been the top-ranked squad in the land, they had won 12 straight games and looked the part of a future No.
ESPN Analytics Predict Illinois vs. Penn NCAA Tournament Matchup
The NCAA Tournament is such a special event because it breaks trends, curbs expectations and, sometimes, simply defies basketball logic. Upsets are the name of the game come March, which means everyone – regardless of seeding – is vulnerable.
Brad Underwood News / NCAA Basketball on ClutchPoints / March 17
Why Illinois basketball is on upset alert in 2026 NCAA Tournament
Illinois basketball head coach Brad Underwood matched school history ahead of the NCAA Tournament. He’s the first Illini head coach since Lou Henson to lead six straight March Madness appearances.
Brad Underwood News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / March 16
Brad Underwood on What Illinois Needs for a Deep NCAA Tournament Run
The 2026 NCAA Tournament bracket was officially set on Sunday evening – which means we now have 68 coaches saying some version of the same exact thing: It’s a new season.
College Basketball News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / March 15
3 Immediate Takeaways From Illinois' NCAA Tournament Draw
The month of March may have technically begun on the first, but as far as college basketball fans are concerned, it actually began Sunday evening at 5 p.m.
Illinois Fighting Illini News / Big Ten Network / March 13
Breaking News
Trending News
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
Popular Quizzes
Today's Latest News
MY ACCOUNT
SUBSCRIBE
ADVERTISE
JOBS
FAQ
PRIVACY POLICY COOKIE POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
PRIVACY POLICY COOKIE POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Copyright 2026 YB Media, LLC. All rights reserved.
By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.