Illinois’ Will Riley Shines in NCAA Tournament as Social Media Erupts

Early in the second half of Friday night's NCAA Tournament matchup between Illinois and Xavier, the Illini lead was cut to three and the Musketeers appeared headed for a layup to make it a one-point contest. Instead, that layup was blocked by freshman Will Riley, and the Riley Show was underway.

The highly touted freshman, who scored just four points in the first half, erupted for 18 after the break as Illinois rolled to a victory over Xavier, 86-73.

Illinois now moves on to take on Kentucky in the second round in one of the biggest games of the weekend. Before we get to that, though, a quick look at how social media erupted in response to Riley's massive night in Milwaukee.

Presenting: Will Riley

ladies and gentlemen

let me present to you,

WILL DAMN RILEY
— The Champaign Room (@Champaign_Room) March 22, 2025

An all-time half by Riley

Kitchener's Will Riley having one of the best halves of his season in his first NCAA Tournament game.

Heard nothing but good things about him from coaches. Lots of ppl very high on him. He's showing why here https://t.co/mGwpp0EAPj
— Oren Weisfeld (@OrenWeisfeld) March 22, 2025

Illinois looked the part Friday night

Will Riley 🔥🔥

The #Illini looked awesome tonight. Bring on Kentucky.
— Will Charlton (@WillCharltonH13) March 22, 2025

Will Riley: Star in the making

I PRAY Will Riley becomes the guy everyone talks about in the 2025 March madness!! #Illini 🔹🔸
— griffin (@g_scag) March 22, 2025

Will Riley: First-round pick forthcoming

The final from Milwaukee: Illinois 86, Xavier 73.

Will Riley shows why he's a first-round pick with 22-point — 18 of those in the second half.

The average margin of our four First Round games was 16 points.

A great day of basketball, but hopefully, tighter matchups on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/GmfBOcgzai
— Liam Hanley (@lhanley_34) March 22, 2025

Will Riley: Starts March right

Will Riley said in that 2nd half!!! #ILLINI pic.twitter.com/3pD45M3WUd
— DJTone-Zee (@DjTone_Zee) March 22, 2025

Illinois basketball Diaper Dandies

FINAL: 6) Illinois 86-73 11) Xavier
Midwest Region RO64 - Milwaukee

The freshman duo of Will Riley and Kasparas Jakucionis combines for 38 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists, and 2 blocks. Tomislav Ivicic contributes for 20, 10, and 2 blocks, Kylan Boswell adds 15 and 5 assists.
— Caden Brownawell (@CadenBrownawell) March 22, 2025

Will Riley: NBA lottery pick

Will Riley won't be in Champaign next season cus he's gonna be a lottery pick.
— 'Tis I, HIM! (@TheGAWDofTweets) March 22, 2025

Have a night, Will Riley!

HAVE A NIGHT, WILL RILEY🇨🇦

Kitchener's very own Will Riley is COOKING tonight.

22 points and a trip to the next round. #MarchMadness

pic.twitter.com/F7mriw6tEy
— Coolbet Canada 🇨🇦 (@CoolbetCanada) March 22, 2025

Big showing by Illinois freshmen

YOUTH IS SERVED. Will Riley with 22 and Kasparas Jakucionis ends up one rebound shy of a triple double with 16/9/10. #Illini beat Xavier 86-73 and will face Kentucky here on Sunday.
— Tyler Cottingham (@TylerCott) March 22, 2025