MBB Illinois vs Oregon

(WAND) -- Illinois earned the 3-seed in the South region of the NCAA Tournament and will face 14-seed Penn in the first round.

The Illini are making their 36th all-time appearance in the NCAA Tournament, and sixth* straight (*seventh precluded by cancellation of 2020 Tournament due to COVID-19).

Illinois has 10 all-time Elite Eight appearances, and 12 total Sweet 16 appearances. The Illini most recently played in both of those rounds in 2024.

Illinois' all-time scores vs. first round opponent: vs. Penn (6-0) 

  • 11-22-2001 W, 78-71 Las Vegas, Nev. (Las Vegas Invitational)
  • 3-17-2000 W, 68-58 Winston-Salem, N.C. (NCAA Tournament 1st Round)
  • 12-26-1962 W, 98-66 New York, N.Y. 
  • 12-22-1950 W, 75-65 Champaign, Ill. 
  • 12-18-1948 W, 80-61 Champaign, Ill. 
  • 12-20-1947 W, 70-44 Philadelphia, Pa. 

Where to watch Illinois vs Penn:

When: Thursday, March 19, 2026

Where: Greenville, S.C. | Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Time: 8:25 p.m. CT (9:25 p.m. ET)

Watch: TNT

Listen: Busey Bank Illini Sports Network

Stream: FUBO

Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved.