Illinois Basketball Earns Triple Bye, Aims for NCAA Seed

0:00On March 12th, Illinois men's basketball team heads into the Big Ten tournament in pretty good shape overall, despite the usual late season wear-end. Tear, they battled injuries in a flu bug all season long, but most players are recovering well just in time for postseason play. Freshman Guard Keaton Wagler picked up big postseason honors this week, and the Illini earned a triple buy straight to the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Wagler is managing occasional back spasms with massage therapy and rest, which has helped a lot over the last couple days. Wing Andre Stoja Kovic and head coach Brad Underwood both came down with the flu recently. Underwood says he's feeling better, but still dealing with some head congestion. Whilst Stoja Kovic has improved after getting sick post-game, thanks to, careful hydration and weight management from the training staff. The team gets a short break now after a close win over Maryland on Sunday, waiting for Friday's quarterfinal match-up against the winner of Wisconsin. This is Washington. A single victory there should set up a semifinal rematch with Michigan, who beat them handily

1:04back in late February. Looking ahead, Illinois sits in line for a number two seed in the upcoming NCAA tournament bracket reveal after the Big Ten title game on Sunday. That Friday win could lock it in, and even a deep tournament run means at least three full days of rest before their first March man is game. With these back-to-back breaks, the Illini have a real shot at peak health when it counts most in the big dance.