The No. 3-seeded Illinois Fighting Illini men’s basketball team opened its 2026 NCAA Tournament run with a commanding 105-70 victory over the No. 14-seeded Penn Quakers on Thursday, March 19. The win propels the Illini into a second-round matchup against the No. 11-seeded VCU Rams on Saturday, March 21.
Illinois (26-8, 15-5 Big Ten) showcased its offensive firepower and defensive intensity in the first-round rout. Junior forward David Mirkovic led the charge with a dominant 29-point, 17-rebound double-double, setting a new program record for rebounds in an NCAA Tournament game. The Illini shot 54.8% from the field and outrebounded Penn 48-31.
“We came out with great energy and executed our game plan,” said head coach Brad Underwood after the win. “David [Mirkovic] was phenomenal on the glass, and we got contributions up and down the roster. This is the time of year where you need everyone.”
The victory sets up a Saturday night showdown with the VCU Rams, who upset No. 6-seed Creighton in their first-round game. The game is scheduled for 7:40 PM ET and will be televised on TBS. Illinois enters the contest as a favorite, but VCU’s signature “Havoc” defense presents a unique challenge.
“We know what VCU is about—they’re tough, they’re physical, and they pressure you for 40 minutes,” Underwood noted in pre-game comments. “We have to take care of the basketball and play our game.”
The Illini’s 2025-26 season has been marked by consistency and high-level play, finishing second in the Big Ten and earning a No. 3 seed in the Midwest Region. With a deep roster featuring Mirkovic, guards Kylan Boswell and AJ Stojakovic, and big men Zvonimir Ivisic and Tomislav Ivisic, Illinois has its sights set on a deep March run, aiming for its first Sweet Sixteen appearance since 2022.
Fans can follow the action live on TBS or stream via the NCAA March Madness Live app.