Illini Grab 3 Seed, Aim for March Magic

0:00On March 16th, the Illinois men's basketball team finally learned its fate on the NCAA tournament selection show. The Alini, with a 24 and 8 record, grabbed the number 3 seed in the South region. Though face number 14 seed Pennsylvania, the 24 and 6 Ivy League champions coached by Fran McCaffery in the first round. This squad stands out as the highest scoring Illinois team since the one that reached the final 4 back in 1989. The Alini have shown plenty of flash all season, building excitement among fans for a deep run. CBS analyst Clark Kellogg offered a balanced take during the broadcast. He praised the team's impressive play in many areas, but pointed out their recent struggles closing out games against top opponents. Still, he believes they'll hit their stride in the tournament and advance past the Quakers. Other analysts like Seth Davis and Bruce Pearl joined in but didn't see Illinois reaching the final 4. Kellogg favors number 1. Seed, Florida, to claim the South region, with number 2 Houston possibly meeting them in the Elite 8.

1:03That could set up a sweet 16-class for the Alini if they win their opening games. He also has Big Ten Champ Purdue, taking the whole national title. As the bracket shakes out, all eyes turn to the Alini's opener, where they aim to prove the doubters wrong and launch another memorable March run.