The Illinois Fighting Illini and Xavier Musketeers are set to clash in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament on March 21, 2025, at Milwaukee's Fiserv Forum. The matchup is scheduled to tip-off at 9:45 p.m. ET (8:45 p.m. CT), bringing together two teams eager to advance further in the tournament.
Entering March Madness, Illinois holds a record of 21-12. However, their recent performance left much to be desired, culminating in a disappointing loss to the Maryland Terrapins, who defeated them 88-65 in the Big Ten Conference Tournament quarterfinals on March 14. Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley were among the highlights for Illinois in that game, each contributing 15 points in an effort that ultimately fell short.
Xavier, on the other hand, comes into this game with a 22-11 record. The Musketeers earned their spot in the Round of 64 after a thrilling 86-80 victory over the Texas Longhorns on March 19. Under the leadership of head coach Sean Miller, Xavier mounted a remarkable comeback after being down by as many as 13 points in the first half and trailing by 10 midway through the second. They closed out the contest with a 34-18 run over the final 13 minutes, showcasing resilience and tenacity.
Senior guard Marcus Foster was pivotal during the comeback, leading the team with 22 points. He was supported well by teammate Zach Freemantle, who scored 15 points. Their performance has fans and analysts alike eager to see how they will perform against Illinois.
The winner of the contest between the No. 6 seed Illinois and the No. 11-seeded Xavier will move on to face the victor of the Kentucky and Troy matchup in the second round, which is set for March 23, 2025.
In terms of betting, Illinois opens as a 2.5-point favorite according to DraftKings Sportsbook. The over/under is set at 156.5 points, indicating an expectation for a competitive and likely high-scoring game. Illinois has odds of -155 to win outright, meaning a bet of $155 would return $100 if they triumph, whereas Xavier sits at +130, suggesting a $100 bet on them would return $130 if they win.
As both teams prepare for tip-off, Coach Brad Underwood of Illinois faces a crucial test, hoping to guide his team through what has been a rocky postseason run thus far. In his corner, he has a squad that, despite recent struggles, is filled with talent and potential. They will need to regroup and develop a strategy to leverage their scoring talents effectively against Xavier's potent offense.
Miller's comments following Xavier's win reflected the team's focus and fortitude. "I could care less. I don't even care. I'm just glad we won," he remarked about the significance of the upcoming game against Illinois. His blunt assessment underscores the attitude his team must possess: focused on the present and not overwhelmed by the significance of the challenge ahead.
The anticipation is palpable as fans gear up for what promises to be an exciting match-up steeped in March Madness tradition. Critically, both teams aim to apply lessons learned in their previous experiences as they launch their tournament campaigns.
In this first-round showdown, the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Xavier Musketeers are not just playing for victory; they are also vying to continue their respective journeys in a highly competitive tournament that has brought surprises year after year.
As game time approaches, analysts and fans from both sides will be eagerly watching, hoping to see their teams advance, the stakes undeniably high in this March Madness extravaganza.
