Illinois Basketball Secures No. 6 Seed for NCAA Tournament

The Illinois men's basketball team has secured a No. 6 seed in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, set to face the winner of a play-in game between Texas and Xavier. The Illini are regarded as having a manageable path to the championship, needing just six wins to secure their first title. Despite a mixed performance against top teams this season, Illinois has shown resilience and depth, especially with players like Otega Oweh and Kylan Boswell stepping up. The women’s team also made the NCAA Tournament, marking back-to-back appearances under coach Shauna Green, who revitalized the program after struggling in previous seasons. After a strong start this season, the women's team faced injuries but managed to rally, earning an No. 8 seed and a matchup against No. 9 Creighton. Both teams represent a significant turnaround for Illinois basketball, showcasing improved competitiveness in recent years.