Xavier and Illinois will meet on Friday night in the first round of the 2025 NCCA tournament at the Fiserv Forum, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Morez Johnson Jr. #21 of the Illinois Fighting Illini makes the block on the shot from DeShawn Harris-Smith #5 of the Maryland Terrapins r the Big Ten men’s basketball tournament quarterfinals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 14, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images
The Illini have had a great season, going 21-12 before falling to Maryland in the Big Ten tournament, 88-65. Potential NBA lottery pick Kasparas Jakučionis had a solid performance in the defeat, scoring 15 points, securing 10 rebounds, and dishing out four assists in the loss. Many expect Jakučionis to declare for the NBA draft as soon as Illinois’ season ends.
How to Watch Xavier vs. Illinois:
- Date: Friday, March 21, 2025
- Time: 9:45 PM ET
- Venue: Fiserv Forum
- Channel: CBS
- Stream: Fubo (try for free)
Jakučionis, a freshman from Lithuania, has averaged 15.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.6 assists on 44.8 percent shooting from the floor on the year, flashing great athleticism and slashing ability in a 6-foot-6 package. He will need to clean up his outside shooting to hit that next level as a prospect.
Meanwhile, Xavier went 22-11 this season and had to win a First Four game to reach the tournament. The Musketeers defeated Texas 86-80 to advance and play Illinois. Leading the way for Xavier in the win was Marcus Foster with 22 points and eight rebounds while Zach Freemantle chipped in 15 points, two rebounds, and two assists.
Tune in to CBS at 9:45 p.m. ET on Friday night to watch what should be a fun matchup between Xavier and Illinois.
Live stream the Xavier vs. Illinois NCAA tournament first-round game for free on Fubo: Start your subscription now!
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