Social Media Buzzes About Illinois' NCAA Tournament Win Over Xavier

The Illini's excellent second-half performance drew out college basketball experts and fans from all over the country

Mar 21, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA: Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) reacts during the second half against the Xavier Musketeers at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images / Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

There were questions swirling heading into Illinois’ first-round NCAA Tournament matchup with Xavier.

Are the Illini too young to win in March?

Are they too inconsistent?

Can they (finally) stop an excellent three-point shooting team?

Which Kasparas Jakucionis will show up?

But on Friday night, with a convincing 86-73 victory, Illinois gave plenty of answers to all those questions – for one night at least.

After battling with Xavier throughout the first half, and carrying just a five-point lead into halftime, Illinois broke the game open in the second half, scoring 46 points and ultimately pulling away from the Musketeers to climb into the Round of 32, where third-seeded Kentucky awaits.

All five Illini starters scored in double figures, led by 22 from Will Riley (on 8-for-12 field-goal shooting), 20 points and 10 rebounds from Tomislav Ivisic and a near triple-double from Kasparas Jakucionis (16 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists).

Naturally, with a (mostly) dominant showing in the first round, the Illini’s performance sent social media buzzing in the aftermath. Below are a few of the best reactions:

Two-way squad?

The Illini getting it done on both ends 💪#MarchMadness @IlliniMBB pic.twitter.com/x4hElCGPa4

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 22, 2025

We've never heard of this town – but would love to visit

WELCOME TO WILLWAUKEE 🔶🔷

pic.twitter.com/jefVQ96Wos

— Barstool Illini (@BarstoolILL) March 22, 2025

Chuck, Chuck, Chuck

Chuck was too busy watching Bryant-Michigan St. he couldn't break down the Xavier-Illinois game on air 😂pic.twitter.com/ymu4IAvikn

— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) March 22, 2025

Illinois' out-of-bounds execution should be put down

On side line out of bounds the Illini might want to consider just taking a 5 second call.

— Sean Harrington (@smharrington24) March 22, 2025

Is Big Blue Nation shaking in its boots?

Not loving the potential Illinois matchup. They’ve got some serious matchup problems for us

— Kentucky Update (@ky__update) March 22, 2025

Xavier's defense had no answer for Illinois' offense

Illinois has overwhelmed Xavier’s defense in this game. Brad Underwood’s crew firing on all cylinders.

— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) March 22, 2025

A special one for the locals

Under 8 timeout, and the current ⁦@IlliniMBB⁩ lead is… #Illini pic.twitter.com/KcJ6T8u5Ba

— Scott Beatty (@scott_beatty) March 22, 2025

Sheriff Boswell, reporting for duty

Welcome to Kylan Boswell jail, Ryan Conwell

— Fighting Illini (@TheIlliniFN) March 22, 2025

Milwaukee has a new mayor – and, yes, he's Canadian

🔮 BANG https://t.co/DIMryNyYAu

— Barstool Illini (@BarstoolILL) March 22, 2025

Good Illinois has the potential to be very good

Good Illinois has shown up tonight.

Good Illinois has a very high ceiling

— T3 Bracketology™️🏀 (@T3Bracketology) March 22, 2025

Might as well teach 'em early

pic.twitter.com/nVenaG8kmD

— Illini Ministry of Propaganda (@810illini) March 22, 2025

Peak cinema awaits

Illinois/Kentucky is going to be amazing

— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) March 22, 2025

Go big or go home

Illinois' last nine games:

Lost by 14
Lost by 21
Lost by 43
Won by 20
Won by 20
Won by 8
Won by 12
Lost by 23
Won by 13

Close games❌

— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) March 22, 2025

More From Illinois on Sports Illustrated:

Buy or Sell: Illinois Basketball's Chances for a Deep NCAA Tournament Run

Can Illinois Coach Brad Underwood Adapt and Overcome in NCAA Tournament?

Celebrating Former Illini Marcus Domask's Historic NCAA Tournament Gem