Illinois Upsets Big Ten Tournament Favorites

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Illinois basketball team, seeded 10th, pulled off a major upset in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament, defeating higher-ranked opponents with a gutsy and determined performance. The Illini, led by head coach Shauna Green, showcased their moxie and resilience to advance further in the tournament than expected.

Why it matters

Illinois' unexpected tournament run defies their regular season struggles and underscores the unpredictable nature of postseason play. The Illini's upset victory highlights the team's potential and ability to compete with the conference's elite programs, generating excitement among fans and raising the profile of the program.

The details

In the first round, Illinois took care of business against a surging Wisconsin team. Then, in the second round, the 10-seed Illini continued their Cinderella run by upsetting higher-ranked opponents through a gritty and determined performance.

• The second round of the Big Ten Tournament is currently underway.
• Illinois defeated Wisconsin in the first round on February 25, 2024.

What’s next

If Illinois can continue their tournament run, they will face an even tougher challenge in the next round against one of the Big Ten's top-seeded teams.