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After working their way back into Tournament consideration with a win over Michigan State, Illinois proceeded to close out the regular season in disappointing fashion; they lost three out of their last five games, including the season finale in West Lafayette against Purdue. It was the same story during their lone Big Ten Tournament game. With the program's NCAA Tournament hopes on the line, Illinois came out flat and lost a stunning blowout to No. 9 seed Michigan.
Now the Illini (19-13, 9-9) are back in Champaign for Selection Sunday, but they unfortunately won't be hearing their name called on CBS this afternoon. Illinois will have no choice but to settle for a second straight National Invitational Tournament (NIT) appearance. This is the first time Illinois has missed the NCAA Tournament in two consecutive seasons since 1992-1993.
Last year, the inexperienced Illini managed to compile an overall record of 19-14 and received a No. 2 seed in the NIT. While playing on the road due to the State Farm Center renovations, Illinois defeated No. 7 seed Boston University before falling to No. 3 seed Clemson in the second round.
How to Watch:
Date and Time: Sunday, March 15th | 7:30pm CT
TV: ESPNU
Radio: ESPN Radio
Online Streaming: WatchESPN
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