Sports
The History of Illinois Colleges in the NCAA March Madness Tournament
Do you remember watching any of these games?
The Sweet Sixteen is underway and while Illinois doesn’t have any schools representing in this year’s NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament, there’s plenty of history and proud moments to recall -- except if you’re a Northwestern fan.
Why call out Northwestern University you ask? Because 76 years ago in 1939, the very first tournament was held in Evanston, and in all that time, NU has yet to make an appearance. But then again, only one Illinois college ever has won the national championship.
Take a look at which schools have made it to the tourney, how far they advanced and outcomes of the games. We also added video clips of some of the greatest moments in Illinois’ March Madness tournament history, including the championship game that gave the state its sole national title.
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