Can the Illini Fight Past Two?

Paul M. Banks a.k.a. The Sports Bank, NBC Chicago Street Team

In order to win the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament, a team must go 6-0. Out of the six rounds within which a team may be eliminated, the University of Illinois historically has had the most issues with the second round.

Since 1995, the Illini have qualified for the tournament every year but three. In those 11 March Madness appearances, they were ousted in the second game on six occasions -– more than half the time. If seedings hold this year, it will occur yet again.

Illinois is seeded 5th in the South Region, and many experts project them to get past 12th seeded Western Kentucky in the first round, but lose to 4th seeded Gonzaga in the second. You might know the Zags as that team who in recent years have made a lot of noise knocking off high seeds during the first couple rounds, but can’t seem to duplicate that same success once they get seeded near the top of the bracket themselves.

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