Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) celebrates during the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats in round two of the NCAA tournament at Fiserv Forum Sunday March 23, 2025, in Milwaukee.

Illinois vs. Kentucky: NCAA ends are too sudden — and the Illini want no part of it ... a 7-1 center, has a chance to put himself more prominently on the map in this tournament.

Illinois in Kentucky's path as Big Blue seeks first Sweet 16 appearance of 2020s Fiserv Forum will be a zoo when the ball goes up at 4:15 p.m. Sunday (CBS 2), with fans of both teams out in force.

After falling behind by 12, Illinois only trailed 35-32 when Kentucky's Trent Noah drew a foul on Jake Davis while attempting a 3-pointer with 1.5 seconds left in the first half.

Kentucky and Illinois play similar styles of basketball, but if the Wildcats are hitting their shots, they will win this game and make it to the Sweet 16. Published Mar 22, 2025.

Kentucky forward Andrew Carr (7) and Illinois forward Ben Humrichous (3) go after a loose ball during the first half in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 23 ...

Kentucky averaged 7.1 steals per game this season compared to 4.3 for Illinois – and the Wildcats used that advantage to set the tone for the game and take a 37-32 halftime lead. BOX SCORE ...

The Kentucky Wildcats are set to take on the Illinois Fighting Illini in the Round of 32, and despite being the higher seed, Vegas likes Illinois in this game.