Social Media Heats Up After Kentucky's Round of 32 Win Against Illinois

Even as the Illini went down – and out – against the Wildcats in the NCAA Tournament, the internet remains undefeated

Mar 23, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) drives to the basket against Kentucky Wildcats guard Koby Brea (4) during the first half in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images / Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

On Sunday evening, Illinois saw its 2024-25 campaign come to an abrupt close in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, while Kentucky punched its ticket to the Sweet 16 for a matchup with Tennessee.

Plagued by 14 turnovers, the Illini (22-13) struggled to keep pace with the Wildcats (24-11) and their cornucopia of screeners, passers, cutters and, especially, shooters. If they haven't already begun sculpting his statue in Lexington, Koby Brea – who poured in 23 points and knocked down three triples – at least deserves a nice park bench with a plaque in his name.

Illinois’ beyond-the-arc inconsistency was again on full display Sunday, as the Illini went just 9-for-32 (28.1 percent) and connected on a total of four deep balls that didn't belong to Tomislav Ivisic (who had five threes on his own).

Ultimately, Kentucky rolled to an 84-75 victory, the Illini board the bus for the painful ride back to Champaign, and attention now turns to the futures of Kasparas Jakucionis, Will Riley and Ivisic – all three of whom are firmly on the NBA’s radar.

But ... back to the reason you showed up in the space: all the memes. Without further ado – and not without a hint of sadness for Illini Nation – the best social media reactions from Kentucky’s second-round victory:

Illini Nation has seen this movie before

Settling for bad shots and letting them get whatever they want pic.twitter.com/LKOmdjo6wu

— Barstool Illini (@BarstoolILL) March 23, 2025

Trent Frazier: The OG

He’ll never be him. #Illini pic.twitter.com/xFrcGhBIN4

— Kasparas Jakucionis Enjoyer (@KasparasEnjoyer) March 23, 2025

The Wildcats can smell a deep run

This version of Kentucky can do some things...

— WT - Lamont Enthusiast (@WildcatsTongue) March 23, 2025

Inexperience comes back to bite 'em

#illini unraveling, particularly the freshmen.

— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) March 23, 2025

More volatile than a penny stock

Illinois is 359th in consistency at https://t.co/cegyfz96ax, which means they are one of the top 5 most volatile teams from game to game.

You never know what you're going to get. Today, it's been very bad.

— Evan Miyakawa (@EvanMiya) March 23, 2025

'Does it really have to be every day, guys?'

Been the season. Every other day guys

— Illini Fan Card Collector (@CardIllini) March 23, 2025

What 'elite' shooting really looks like

"HE HAS BEEN A FLAMETHROWER FOR KENTUCKY!" 🔥

Koby Brea is up to 21 PTS after his third triple 📈#MarchMadness @KentuckyMBB pic.twitter.com/BADiQ1PNZ9

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 23, 2025

Tennessee fans have joined the chat

Tennessee is not losing to Kentucky for a third time in a row

— Austin Brown (@Austin_Vols) March 23, 2025

Last two minutes took a few business days

pic.twitter.com/Pg8ZbX0NgK

— Barstool Kentucky (@BarstoolUK) March 23, 2025

Kylan Boswell cuts the lead to 42!

pic.twitter.com/vyrkrXS6Py

— Barstool Kentucky (@BarstoolUK) March 23, 2025

More From Illinois on Sports Illustrated:

Illinois' Brad Underwood Breaks Down Kentucky's Versatile Offense

Stunning Stat Reveals How Long It Has Been Since Illinois Last Faced Kentucky

How Will Riley Rescued His Freshman Season to Become Illinois' Shining Star