Kentucky defeats Illinois 84-75, advances to Sweet 16

The Kentucky Wildcats secured a historic victory over Illinois, winning 84-75 in the NCAA Tournament Round of 32, marking their first advance beyond the opening weekend since 2019. This victory is notable as Kentucky became the first team to reach the Sweet 16 without returning any points from the previous season, after head coach Mark Pope rebuilt the roster following John Calipari's departure. Koby Brea led Kentucky with 23 points, while Illinois struggled with turnovers, committing 14 compared to Kentucky's five. Despite a strong performance from Kylan Boswell, who scored 23 points, Illinois could not recover from an early deficit and ends its season with 22 wins. Next, Kentucky will face rival Tennessee, having already beaten them twice this season. Coaches Pope and Calipari, both former players at Kentucky, will meet again in the Sweet 16, showcasing the program's resilience and adaptability.