Illini Ride Simple Hot Hand Basketball Formula To NCAA Tourney First Round Win

Illinois point guard Kasparas Jakucionis finished one rebound shy of the program’s second-ever triple double in a NCAA Tournament game as the Illini cruise to 86-73 win over Xavier.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Staff Writer

March 22, 2025

MILWAUKEE — When asked on Friday night how many offensive sets were called out from the his bench in the second half, Illinois head coach Brad Underwood immediately smiled from ear to ear.

The answer is simple.

“None,” the Illini eight-year head coach said knowing the answer would get some confused looks from media members . . .

 

Premium Members Only. Please Subscribe To View The Full Article

  • One-stop destination for Illini sports news, analysis and interactive contents.
  • Weekly podcasts including "Sturdy for 30" and "I on the Illini"
  • Illini Guys Zoom Calls" during games and special events
  • Special appearances by "Illini Legends" and other national sports personalities
  • Video breakdowns and game analysis
  • Owned, managed and run by diehard Illini fans for Illini fans everywhere

Podcasts

Illini Mistakes Costly in 34-16 Loss to Ohio State #512

Listen

IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular - #1 tOSU at #17 Illini - S5Ep9 - 10.10.25

Listen

I on the Illini - The B1G & Private Equity with Tony Altimore #511

Listen

I on the Illini - Illini Football Preview - Ohio State - #510

Listen

Illini Defeat Purdue on the Road 43-27 - #509

Listen

IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular - Illini FB Beats USC on to Purdue, BB & Game Predictions - 10.3.25 - S5E8

Listen

I on the Illini - Illini FB Preview: Purdue #508

Listen

I on the Illini LIVE/Illini Central Postgame - Redemption Win Over USC - #507

Listen

Indiana Loss, USC Preview and Hoops Update S5Ep7 9.26.25

Listen

Illini Football Preview - USC - #506

Listen

Heat Checks & Hail Marys – 6 Days to ?

Listen

Illini Nuked by Hoosiers 63-10 - #505

Listen

Illini vs Indiana, 2025-26 Illini Hoops Schedule, Game Predictions & More - S5Ep6

Listen

2025-26 Illini B1G Basketball Schedule - #504

Listen

Illini Football Preview – Indiana Hoosiers #503

Listen

Subscriber Testimonials:

"I am a member of three different paid sites, [but] I wanted to tell you that the collective insight from the leadership of this place is second to none.  
 
It is remarkable how often I feel like I know what is going to happen before it happens. I am so appreciative of the obvious hard work that you guys are giving ....
 
You guys, in a short time, have shown me that you are the best at what you do."
Join the conversation here!

Not a member? Join our mailing list:

© 2025 LMBC Sports, LLC. All rights reserved. 

Use of any part of this site constitutes express acceptance of the Site Terms. LMBC Sports, LLC, including its Illini Guys website, is an independent media organization, and is not affiliated with the University of Illinois.