MILWAUKEE — In a thrilling first-round matchup of the NCAA Tournament, Will Riley transformed his game in the second half, leading the Illinois Illini to an impressive 86-73 victory over the Xavier Musketeers. Despite a rocky start where Riley missed his first three shots and committed two turnovers by halftime, he rebounded spectacularly, finishing with 22 points, including 18 in the second half. “I just felt like I started off slow,” Riley reflected. “I knew my team needed me in the second half, and I just picked things up.”
Riley’s performance in the second half was nothing short of electrifying. The 6-foot-8 freshman ignited his team with a personal 7-0 run and sank two crucial three-pointers in the final four minutes, helping Illinois build an impressive 17-point lead. His 22 points not only contributed to the win but also set a new Illinois NCAA Tournament record for a freshman, surpassing Frank Williams' previous record of 21 points set in 2000. “I knew my team needed me down the stretch,” Riley stated during the CBS broadcast. “I found my rhythm, and it was great.”
Riley’s journey throughout the season has been a tale of growth and determination. He began with a bang, scoring a remarkable 31 points in his debut game against Eastern Illinois and averaging 17.2 points in his first six outings. However, he faced challenges mid-season, averaging only 7.1 points on 29.9% shooting over a span of 14 games. “Honestly, I feel like it’s definitely a big confidence thing,” he admitted, reflecting on his early struggles. “Now, I know my role, I know what Coach wants of me.”
After a rejuvenating 19-point performance against Michigan State, Riley faced another setback due to illness but has since emerged as a key player for the Illini. Over the last 14 games, he has averaged 16.7 points on 49.4% shooting, showcasing his offensive versatility and improving his overall game.
Coach Brad Underwood acknowledged Riley's defensive growth, which has allowed him to play an average of 31.6 minutes per game. “That’s where his growth has been from day one,” Underwood remarked. “He’s anticipating better, understanding scouting reports better. All of that stuff is just growth.”
As Riley continues to excel, his NBA Draft stock is on the rise. Earlier this month, ESPN ranked him as the No. 22 prospect for the 2025 draft. Sam Vecenie of The Athletic, who previously ranked him lower, acknowledged Riley’s latest performance, stating, “That was maybe the best game I’ve seen Will Riley play this year.”
Despite having five players making their NCAA Tournament debuts, the Illini displayed remarkable poise and confidence on the big stage. They took control early with a 7-0 run, eventually leading by as much as 17 points against a formidable Xavier team that had previously won 13 of its last 17 games. Freshman guard Kasparas Jakucionis came close to a triple-double, while first-year center Tomislav Ivisic dominated with 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Riley credited the team's veterans, Kylan Boswell and Tre White, for their guidance. “Our vets helped us prepare for it,” Riley said. “I had no idea what it would be like coming into it. It was crazy.” Boswell echoed this sentiment, highlighting the team’s preparation and self-confidence throughout the season.
The Illini’s defensive game plan was effective against Xavier, limiting their key players significantly. While Dailyn Swain managed to score a career-high 27 points, the rest of the team struggled. Leading scorer Zach Freemantle was held to just five points, while Kylan Boswell effectively contained Ryan Conwell, who had previously excelled from beyond the arc.
Coach Underwood praised his team’s defensive efforts, stating, “I thought the defense by Bam here, by Kylan on Conwell was a big part in terms of the difference of the ballgame.”
With this victory, the Illini are set to face Kentucky in the Round of 32. As they continue to build momentum, Riley expressed his excitement: “I know we’re going to go on a run. We’re just super excited to get into this game. This is crazy.” The Illini's combination of youthful talent and newfound experience could be a potent recipe for success as they aim for a deep tournament run.
