Illinois eliminated in the first round of the NCAA Tournament by Arkansas

NCAA Basketball: NCAA Tournament First Round-Illinois vs Arkansas

Mar 16, 2023; Des Moines, IA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Jordan Walsh (13) reacts after a play against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Column: Illinois suffers another early NCAA Tournament exit, losing to Arkansas 73-63. ‘We had opportunities.’

Illinois rallied late but lost to Arkansas 73-63 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday, the Illini's third straight early exit.

Illinois eliminated in the first round of the NCAA Tournament by Arkansas

DES MOINES - In many ways, it was a game that encompassed an entire season of basketball for one of the teams that took the floor at Wells Fargo Arena. Unfortunately for Illinois, it led to a quick elimination from the NCAA Tournament. Inconsistent throughout and unable to get sustained momentum, the ninth-seeded Illini trailed almost the whole way in their West Region first round game against Arkansas in Des Moines. Despite a few late pushe…

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