Illinois won their first game in the NCAA Basketball Tournament Friday night as they beat Xavier 86-73 in Milwaukee.
The Illini were led by Will Riley with 22 points and Tomislav Ivisic with 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Kasparas Jakucionis also had 16 points, 10 assists, and 9 rebounds.
Dailyn Swain had a career high 27 points for Xavier.
Illinois is now (22-12) for the season. They will play Kentucky (23-11) on Sunday in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Kentucky beat Troy on Friday night 76-57.
March 21, 2025
