Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Xavier Musketeers: March Madness First Round live stream, TV channel, start time, odds
The No. 6 seed Illinois Fighting Illini (21-12) will try to defeat the No. 11 seed Xavier Musketeers (22-11) in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday at Fiserv Forum. Watch this matchup at 9:45 p.m. ET on CBS.
In its most recent game, Illinois fell to Maryland, 88-65, on the road. Its top performers were Kasparas Jakucionis (15 PTS, 10 REB, 40.00 FG%) and Will Riley (15 PTS, 7 REB, 46.15 FG%, 2-6 from 3PT).
Xavier fell on the road to Texas 80-86 last time out, and were led by Marcus Foster (22 PTS, 8 REB, 88.89 FG%, 4-5 from 3PT) and Zach Freemantle (15 PTS, 46.15 FG%).
Prepare for this matchup with what you need to know before Friday's college basketball action.
Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll
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Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Xavier Musketeers
Game day: Friday, March 21, 2025
Friday, March 21, 2025 Game time: 9:45 p.m. ET
9:45 p.m. ET TV: CBS
CBS Live stream: Paramount+ - Watch Now!
NCAA Basketball Odds and Betting Lines
Spread: Illinois -3.5
Illinois -3.5 Total: 160.5
College basketball odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Friday at 8:59 a.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.
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