In a thrilling comeback, the Kentucky Wildcats defeated the Illinois Fighting Illini 84-75, securing their first Sweet 16 appearance since 2019. Koby Brea led the charge with a standout performance, while Coach Mark Pope's squad showcased resilience and teamwork.
After a shaky start, Will Riley exploded in the second half, scoring 18 of his 22 points and leading Illinois to an impressive 86-73 victory over Xavier in the NCAA Tournament. This win sets the stage for a thrilling Round of 32 matchup against Kentucky.