NCAA Lexington Regional Analysis: Why Winning Opening Game is Critical

Illinois has not won an NCAA regional game away from home in 11 years and enters the 2024 NCAA Lexington Regional knowing that taking the opening game vs. Indiana State is paramount.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Staff Writer

May 31, 2024

(Cover photo courtesy UK Athletics)

LEXINGTON, Ky.  — Yes, the term must-win game as a term in the lexicon of sports is overused. 

Friday night’s opening game for Illinois in the 2024 NCAA Lexington Regional is by the definition of the double elimination format is not a must-win game. However, if Illinois wants to win the program . . .

 

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 Crush Jackson State 113-55 #520

Listen

Illini Pound Rutgers for 35-13 Victory - #519

Listen

IlliniGuys Pregame LIVE & Halftime LIVE Sampler - Rutgers at Illini #518

Listen

IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular – FB vs Rutgers, BB Opener Coming, Women's BB Exhibition & Soccer Wins in B1G – S5Ep12 – 10.31.25

Listen

Illini Football Preview - Rutgers #517

Listen

Illini Fall to Huskies 42-25 - #516

Listen

Sports Spectacular - Illini FB Clash with Washington & Illini BB Ready for Tipoff - S5Ep11 - 10.24.25

Listen

Illinois Football Preview - Washington #515

Listen

Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Orlando Antigua

Listen

Illini BB vs ISU & FB Coaching Openings #514

Listen

IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular - Illini Recruiting Updates - S5Ep10 - 10.17.25

Listen

Sturdy’s Illini Hoops Thoughts & More - #513

Listen

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

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.