Kentucky Wildcats vs Illinois Fighting Illini Picks and Predictions March 23rd 2025

Illinois Healthy, Confident Ahead of Sunday Showdown vs. Kentucky

Two storied programs collide Sunday as third-seeded Kentucky takes on a rising, now-healthy sixth-seeded Illinois squad in a second-round NCAA Tournament clash in Milwaukee.

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Young Illini Growing Up at the Right Time

Illinois (22-12) is peaking at the perfect moment. After battling injuries and illness midseason, the Illini looked sharp in their 86-73 first-round win over Xavier on Friday. Freshmen Will Riley, Kasparas Jakucionis, and Morez Johnson Jr. combined for 44 points, with Riley dropping 22 and Jakucionis nearly notching a triple-double (16 points, 10 assists, 9 rebounds).

Jakucionis has emerged as one of Illinois’ most versatile weapons, averaging 15.0 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. Center Tomislav Ivisic added 20 points and 10 boards against Xavier, anchoring a dominant 45-25 rebounding edge.

Coach Brad Underwood believes his young core is battle-tested.

“We’re not freshmen anymore,” Underwood said. “These guys have been playing 30-plus minutes a game. I’ve said it all along: I like their ceiling because I know how talented they are.”

Illinois is deep and balanced offensively, with five players averaging double figures and a renewed inside-out threat now that Johnson is back from a wrist injury.

Kentucky Surging Behind Balanced Attack

Third-seeded Kentucky (23-11) used a second-half surge to dispatch 14th-seeded Troy 76-57, highlighted by a 16-0 run. Otega Oweh led with 20 points, while Koby Brea, Andrew Carr, and Brandon Garrison all chipped in 13.

The Wildcats are dangerous from deep, hitting 10 of 26 threes in the opener and averaging 9.6 per game. They also dished out 23 assists on 28 field goals, showcasing elite ball movement under first-year coach Mark Pope.

“We were diligent, we were aggressive,” Pope said. “Ball protection and being assertive really set the tone.”

Oweh leads Kentucky with 16.4 points per game, while Brea, Butler, and Williams add scoring depth. Big man Amari Williams controls the paint, averaging 10.9 points and a team-high 8.6 rebounds.

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Familiarity and Firepower Set Stage for Intriguing Clash

This is the first meeting between the schools since 1984, and the storyline is rich. Illinois’ Ivisic will face off against the program where his twin brother Zvonimir played last season, adding some personal motivation to what’s already a compelling matchup.

Both teams share offensive versatility and improved health, but the game may hinge on rebounding and perimeter defense. Kentucky’s spacing and pace contrast Illinois’ physicality and emerging cohesion.

Illinois is a slight underdog, but their momentum, rebounding prowess, and renewed health make them a tough out.

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