The Illinois Fighting Illini and Kentucky Wildcats are set to face off in the NCAA Tournament for the fifth time, with UK holding a 4-0 advantage in their previous meetings.
Their last matchup in 1984 had significant historical implications, as it led to a rule change in the NCAA Tournament. The game was played at Rupp Arena, giving the Wildcats an unfair home-court advantage. This prompted the NCAA to introduce a new rule, ensuring that no team could host a tournament game on their home floor.
Illini coach Brad Underwood weighed in on the rule change, saying, “It’s probably a really good rule… I think the game’s grown kind of beyond that, even though you could probably find an argument.”
The two teams will meet again on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with the Illini looking to break their losing streak against the Wildcats.
What do you think about the upcoming matchup between the Illini and Wildcats? Share your thoughts in the comments
