“It’s nice to check that box finally tonight”: Illini & Underwood NCAA Tournament Demons Lifted

Brad Underwood ended his own personal NCAA Tournament drought at the same time that Illinois’ second-weekend postseason demons ended in Omaha. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

March 24, 2024

OMAHA, Neb. — Brad Underwood couldn’t help but turn, clap at and tear up while acknowledging the fans dressed in orange and blue behind his bench.

The Illinois seventh-year head coach exercised some significant postseason demons on Saturday as his employer ended a 19-year drought of reaching the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament. It’s a destination Underwood had never found and the goal of ending this . . .

 

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.