The Illinois basketball team has advanced to the Elite 8 after beating No. 2 Iowa State on Thursday night.
What a feeling it was for the Illini. The fans, the players, the people who have followed the program for years, this one was for you. It has been a long time, 2005 to be exact, since Illinois has made a trip to the Elite 8.
We aren’t done, though. The culmination of this season shouldn’t result in getting to the Elite 8 and being happy. This program can reach great heights, and now we take on what most people consider to be the best team in college basketball, the UConn Huskies.
UConn is coming off a national championship last season, and that momentum has carried them into the 2024 NCAA tournament. They look like an unmovable object, but with the talent we have on the roster, I truly believe anything is possible.
Illinois basketball vs UConn Huskies game time, broadcast, and commentators
Now that half of the field of the Elite 8 has been set, CBS has put together the television schedule as well as who will be calling the game.
- Television: TBS/TruTV
This is the same crew that called the Illinois vs Iowa State game. Kevin Harlan is one of the best in the game, and Stan Van Gundy knows basketball. I always love Andy Katz on the sidelines as well. He has always been in Illinois’ corner.
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts
The game will continue to be in Boston until the Final 4 and National Championship. This is a big advantage for UConn, as it is only 83.6 miles from campus. Meanwhile, Illinois fans have to travel 987 miles from Champaign.
- Time: 5:09 p.m. CT/6:09 p.m. ET
Finally! We get a game that isn’t scheduled late. It is exciting that Illinois gets the early time slot.
- Date: Saturday, March 30
That is a quick turnaround. UConn has had a few more hours to rest, but at that age, it probably won’t make a difference. It should be a great Elite 8.