Chambana Sun

Sixth-seeded Illinois was defeated by third-seeded and 18th-ranked Kentucky, with a final score of 84-75, in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. This marks the end of the season for Illinois, which concluded with a record of 22-13 and included their fifth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance under head coach Brad Underwood.

Junior guard Kylan Boswell led Illinois with 23 points and six assists, achieving a career-high in an NCAA Tournament game. Sophomore center Tomislav Ivisic contributed 19 points, including five three-pointers, breaking his own record for most threes by a 7-footer in an NCAA Tournament run. Freshman guard Kasparas Jakucionis tied Cory Bradford's Illinois freshman scoring record with his 13-point contribution.

Junior guard Tre White, graduate forward Ben Hurichous, and freshman forward Morez Johnson Jr. each secured seven rebounds for Illinois.

In postgame notes, it was highlighted that Kylan Boswell's performance marked his third 20-point game this season and his second in an NCAA Tournament setting. Kasparas Jakucionis matched Cory Bradford's long-standing freshman scoring record set during the 1998-99 season. Tomislav Ivisic continued to break records for three-pointers by a 7-footer in both single-game and tournament contexts.

Illinois holds a historical record of 46-36 (.561) in NCAA Tournament games. Head coach Brad Underwood now has a tournament record of 6-5 while leading Illinois to victories four out of the last five years during tournament play.

The team achieved several notable statistics: they are now all-time even as a No. 6 seed (3-3), have won twice against No. 3 seeds (2-3), and maintain an overall positive track in the Midwest Region (11-7). However, they have struggled historically as a lower seed (3-13).

Despite being eliminated, Illinois managed to out-rebound Kentucky with a total count of 44-36, converting these efforts into nine second-chance points from offensive rebounds.