Houston, Illinois carry strong opening-weekend efficiency in March Madness into Sweet 16 collision
Kelvin Sampson wanted his Cougars simply to stick to what they do best. Brad Underwood hoped his Illini would “just let it rip." The two carry strong opening-weekend efficiency into the Sweet 16.
Kelvin Sampson wanted his Cougars simply to stick to what they do best. Brad Underwood hoped his Illini would “just let it rip." The two carry strong opening-weekend efficiency into the Sweet 16.
Which Big Ten team has the toughest path to the Final 4 | Chicago Sports Tonight
Illini basketball legend Deon Thomas and Fox Sports broadcaster Connor Onion joined Tina Nguyen on a jam-packed CST. The panel previews a huge slate of Sweet 16 matchups this week, including #3 seed Illinois heading down to Texas to take on the #2 seed Houston Cougars in the South Regional. Also, with 6 teams representing the conference in the Sweet 16, will a Big Ten team finally end the National Title drought? It's been 26 years since Tom Izzo's Spartans cut down the nets. Plus, Tina goes 1-on-1 with Illini freshman phenom Keaton Wagler.
Illini basketball legend Deon Thomas and Fox Sports broadcaster Connor Onion joined Tina Nguyen on a jam-packed CST. The panel previews a huge slate of Sweet 16 matchups this week, including #3 seed Illinois heading down to Texas to take on the #2 seed Houston Cougars in the South Regional. Also, with 6 teams representing the conference in the Sweet 16, will a Big Ten team finally end the National Title drought? It's been 26 years since Tom Izzo's Spartans cut down the nets. Plus, Tina goes 1-on-1 with Illini freshman phenom Keaton Wagler.
Wagler: "My phone lost service when Brad Underwood offered me a scholarship" | Chicago Sports Tonight
Tina Nguyen went 1-on-1 with Illini freshman phenom Keaton Wagler. Wagler talked about their big matchup with Houston on Thursday, and how they'll deal with the Cougars' physicality in a road environment. Wagler also chatted with Tina about the amazing ride he's been on this season, going from a relatively unknown 3-star recruit to Big Ten Freshman of the Year and Second-Team All-American. Plus, Wagler told the funny story of what happened when Brad Underwood offered him a scholarship to Illinois.
Tina Nguyen went 1-on-1 with Illini freshman phenom Keaton Wagler. Wagler talked about their big matchup with Houston on Thursday, and how they'll deal with the Cougars' physicality in a road environment. Wagler also chatted with Tina about the amazing ride he's been on this season, going from a relatively unknown 3-star recruit to Big Ten Freshman of the Year and Second-Team All-American. Plus, Wagler told the funny story of what happened when Brad Underwood offered him a scholarship to Illinois.
Michigan rolls with win over Saint Louis, punching ticket to Sweet 16 in Chicago
Yaxel Lendeborg punctuated his 25-point outing with a massive dunk in transition, and the Midwest Region's top-seeded Michigan advanced to the Sweet 16 in Chicago.
Yaxel Lendeborg punctuated his 25-point outing with a massive dunk in transition, and the Midwest Region's top-seeded Michigan advanced to the Sweet 16 in Chicago.
Fred Hoiberg makes history: Ex-Bulls coach leads Nebraska to its first NCAA Tournament win
Finally, Nebraska has a happy March Madness memory. Fred Hoiberg, the former Bulls coach, delivered the Huskers their first-ever NCAA Tournament win.
Finally, Nebraska has a happy March Madness memory. Fred Hoiberg, the former Bulls coach, delivered the Huskers their first-ever NCAA Tournament win.
March Madness: Chase Johnston hadn't made a 2-pointer all year. His layup lifts High Point over Wisconsin
Chase Johnston converted an easy layup - his first 2-point basket of the season - to lift High Point over No. 5 seed Wisconsin for the first major upset of the NCAA Tournament.
Chase Johnston converted an easy layup - his first 2-point basket of the season - to lift High Point over No. 5 seed Wisconsin for the first major upset of the NCAA Tournament.
March Madness: Why Illinois basketball can – and can’t – make the Final Four
Here are reasons why Illinois basketball can – and can’t – make the Final Four in Indianapolis.
Here are reasons why Illinois basketball can – and can’t – make the Final Four in Indianapolis.
Joy, Braden Smith, Olivier Rioux & what I want to see in March Madness | Telander
Every March, FOX Chicago columnist Rick Telander says to himself: Rick, you don’t need this. You’ve watched it a thousand times. There’s always mayhem. But there are still things Rick wants to see this March.
Every March, FOX Chicago columnist Rick Telander says to himself: Rick, you don’t need this. You’ve watched it a thousand times. There’s always mayhem. But there are still things Rick wants to see this March.
Why the Illini are primed for a tournament run | Dee Brown joins Chicago Sports Tonight
Illini legend Dee Brown joined Cassie Carlson and Tina Nguyen in studio to talk March Madness. Dee remembers his 2005 Illini team that went to the Final 4 and what a magical ride it was. Dee also talks about his pride being a former Illini player, the opportunity that is in front of this year's team and why he feels the 2025-26 Illini are primed for a deep tournament run.
Illini legend Dee Brown joined Cassie Carlson and Tina Nguyen in studio to talk March Madness. Dee remembers his 2005 Illini team that went to the Final 4 and what a magical ride it was. Dee also talks about his pride being a former Illini player, the opportunity that is in front of this year's team and why he feels the 2025-26 Illini are primed for a deep tournament run.
Upsets, Final Four picks & region breakdowns for the NCAA Tournament Field of 68
The brackets are officially set. Tina and Chris break down the NCAA Tournament Field of 68, including their Final Four picks and upsets to watch out for.
The brackets are officially set. Tina and Chris break down the NCAA Tournament Field of 68, including their Final Four picks and upsets to watch out for.
March Madness 2026: How to watch the NCAA Tournament
Teams have punched their ticket to college basketball's biggest tournament of the year and here’s everything you need to know about how to watch the games and the full schedule.
Teams have punched their ticket to college basketball's biggest tournament of the year and here’s everything you need to know about how to watch the games and the full schedule.
March Madness and problem gambling: how to spot the warning signs
Way Back Inn executive director Anita Pindiur discusses the rise of sports betting during March Madness, common misconceptions about gambling, and where people can find help if betting becomes a problem.
Way Back Inn executive director Anita Pindiur discusses the rise of sports betting during March Madness, common misconceptions about gambling, and where people can find help if betting becomes a problem.
'Pimp the system': Why Purdue basketball proved the old ways still work with a Big Ten Title
Other teams can shell out cash and buy rosters. Purdue will stick with its guys like it did Sunday as it keeps trying to prove the old ways can still work.
Other teams can shell out cash and buy rosters. Purdue will stick with its guys like it did Sunday as it keeps trying to prove the old ways can still work.
Illinois basketball: Where and who the Illini are playing in the NCAA Tournament
Here's where, when and who Illinois basketball will play in the NCAA Tournament next weekend when March Madness officially begins.
Here's where, when and who Illinois basketball will play in the NCAA Tournament next weekend when March Madness officially begins.
What to know as Purdue wins the Big Ten Tournament title over Michigan
Here's what you need to know from Purdue claiming the Big Ten Tournament title over Michigan at the United Center.
Here's what you need to know from Purdue claiming the Big Ten Tournament title over Michigan at the United Center.
March Madness: Illini basketball can dispel narratives they hate by sharpening their mental game
From a pattern, people draw narratives. That's what sours on the Illini quickly. They'll play one game at a time to try and dispel those narratives.
From a pattern, people draw narratives. That's what sours on the Illini quickly. They'll play one game at a time to try and dispel those narratives.
Big Ten Tournament: Takeaways as Illinois basketball falls to Wisconsin in an overtime thriller
Here are our takeaways from Illinois’ opening game in the Big Ten Tournament, where the Illini let two big leads slip.
Here are our takeaways from Illinois’ opening game in the Big Ten Tournament, where the Illini let two big leads slip.
Northwestern basketball: The legacy Wildcats 4-year star Nick Martinelli leaves behind
Nick Martinelli ended his Wildcats career with 25 points, four rebounds, three assists, a steal and a hug. What’s now left is what Martinelli leaves behind, which could reverberate for years in Evanston.
Nick Martinelli ended his Wildcats career with 25 points, four rebounds, three assists, a steal and a hug. What’s now left is what Martinelli leaves behind, which could reverberate for years in Evanston.
What you need to know from Northwestern basketball's loss to Purdue
Here's what you need to know from the Boilermakers' win over the Wildcats at the United Center, ending Northwestern's tournament run.
Here's what you need to know from the Boilermakers' win over the Wildcats at the United Center, ending Northwestern's tournament run.
No. 20 Miami (Ohio) is unbeaten no more, as the Redhawks await their NCAA Tournament fate
No. 20 Miami (Ohio) dropped its MAC Tournament opener to UMass, spoiling the last perfect record in Division I men’s basketball. Have the Redhawks done enough to earn a tournament berth?
No. 20 Miami (Ohio) dropped its MAC Tournament opener to UMass, spoiling the last perfect record in Division I men’s basketball. Have the Redhawks done enough to earn a tournament berth?