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Illinois Basketball: 5 storylines for the Illini in the 2022 NCAA tournament

By Rees Woodcock

Jan 21, 2022; College Park, Maryland, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood looks onto the court during the second half against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2022; College Park, Maryland, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood looks onto the court during the second half against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 24, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes forward E.J. Liddell (32) looks to pass as Illinois Fighting Illini center Kofi Cockburn (21) defends during the second half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes forward E.J. Liddell (32) looks to pass as Illinois Fighting Illini center Kofi Cockburn (21) defends during the second half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Familiar faces the Illini might have to play

I have gone over some region-specific storylines the Illinois basketball team could deal with this March, but I think the overarching theme to the 2022 NCAA tournament is how familiar Illinois is with a variety of programs.

Just in the South region alone, Illinois has played No. 1 Arizona, No. 7 Ohio State, and No. 11 Michigan this season. We also know what Loyola Chicago brings to the table.

In the West region, the Illini have played No. 7 Michigan State, No. 11 Rutgers, and No. 11 Notre Dame. Illinois is familiar with players from Duke, as the two teams played last season.

You can head down to the East region where Illinois has played No. 3 Purdue, No. 9 Marquette, and No. 12 Indiana. Illinois fans are also familiar with the coaching style of John Groce. He has No. 13 Akron in the NCAA tournament.

And then you have the Midwest region. Illinois has played No. 3 Wisconsin and No. 5 Iowa this season.

When you add all of the games up, Illinois is 10-7 against NCAA tournament teams this season. We are very familiar with numerous programs in the NCAA tournament, so that should help the Illini win some games.

This is a one-game season, though. Let’s focus on Chattanooga and get the victory. I want to see, at minimum, a Sweet 16 berth in 2022.

Next. 5 observations from the Illini loss to Indiana. dark

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