21-03-2025
Illini done waiting, time to play in NCAA
MILWAUKEE, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — The Illini are tired of playing the waiting game.
Now it's time to play a game. In the NCAA Tournament.
Illinois faces Xavier in one of the final games of the NCAA Tournament on Friday at 8:45 p.m. The Illini got familiar with Fiserv Forum with a shootaround at the home of the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday.
For many of the Illini players, Friday's game will mark their first taste of the NCAA Tournament.
'It's an incredible blessing to be able to do this. To be able to do what — as a kid– you dream about doing,' said Illinois senior Ben Humrichous, a transfer from Evansville. 'This is a team that is starting to understand the urgency of the end. (Friday) night when we go out there, we have to go out with a punch.'
The Illini had to wait until Wednesday night to know their first round opponent. Xavier beat Texas in one of the 'First Four' games in Dayton to advance to Milwaukee.
No more waiting, it's time to play.
'Everybody understands how important every win is now. We have to focus on the game ahead,' said Illinois freshman Morez Johnson. 'Everyone understands that now. It's our time to make a run.'
You can see the game on WMBD at 8:45 p.m. Friday.
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