Will Riley’s performance in Illinois’ first-round NCAA Tournament game against Xavier ended on a high note, but his early struggles were noticeable. The freshman missed his first three shots, including two layups, and committed two turnovers before halftime. His slow start reflected some of the challenges he had faced earlier in the season.
Despite the rough beginning, Riley remained composed. He knew his team needed him to step up in the second half, and he focused on fulfilling his role. That shift in mindset allowed him to transform his game after halftime, proving his ability to handle adversity and deliver when it mattered most.
Riley’s second-half performance was nothing short of spectacular. He scored 18 of his 22 points in the final 20 minutes, including a personal 7-0 run that helped Illinois take control of the game. In the final four minutes, he drained two crucial three-pointers, extending Illinois’ lead to as much as 17 points.
His effort powered Illinois to an 86-73 win over Xavier, securing a spot in the Round of 32 against Kentucky. Riley’s 22-point outing set a new Illinois freshman record for scoring in an NCAA Tournament game, surpassing Frank Williams’ 21-point performance from 2000. His ability to step up in pressure moments reinforced his growing importance to the team.
Riley’s freshman season has been a journey of ups and downs. He started strong, setting an Illinois freshman debut record with 31 points against Eastern Illinois and averaging 17.2 points over his first six games. However, as the competition intensified, he encountered difficulties.
Between late November and late January, Riley hit a slump, averaging just 7.1 points on 29.9% shooting over 14 games. He later admitted that his confidence had wavered, affecting his play. But instead of letting the struggles define him, Riley refocused on his role within the team, working to regain his rhythm and play with more assertiveness.
A breakout 19-point performance against Michigan State in February seemed to signal Riley’s return to form. However, he struggled to maintain consistency, scoring only four points in his next two games due to illness. Once fully recovered, he became a key contributor for Illinois down the stretch.
Over his last 14 games, Riley has averaged 16.7 points on 49.4% shooting, including 36.1% from three-point range. He has also contributed 4.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game while cutting down on turnovers. His defensive improvement has been equally important, allowing coach Brad Underwood to trust him with heavier minutes.
Xavier vs Illinois (NCAA)Riley’s Breakout Performances Strengthen His Case as a Future NBA Prospect
Riley’s strong performances have caught the attention of NBA scouts. Earlier this month, ESPN ranked him as the No. 22 prospect for the 2025 NBA Draft. Although The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie had him lower at No. 39, Riley’s latest showing may change opinions.
Following Riley’s dominant second half against Xavier, Vecenie took to social media, calling it “maybe the best game” Riley had played this season. With Illinois still in the tournament, he has more opportunities to make an impression on scouts and solidify his place among the top prospects in his class.
Illinois entered the NCAA Tournament as one of the least experienced teams in the field, with five of their eight key players making their tournament debut. However, they played with confidence from the start, opening the game with a 7-0 run and never looking back.
Alongside Riley, freshman guard Kasparas Jakucionis delivered an outstanding performance, coming one rebound shy of a triple-double with 16 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds. Freshman forward Morez Johnson added six points and five rebounds, while sophomore Tomislav Ivisic, classified as a sophomore by the NCAA, dominated with 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Illinois’ lack of postseason experience was a concern heading into the tournament, but the team benefited from its veteran leadership. Guard Kylan Boswell (15 points) and Tre White (seven points, seven rebounds) provided guidance for the younger players, ensuring they were prepared for the moment.
Coach Underwood also credited the team’s challenging nonconference schedule for preparing them for the NCAA Tournament. Facing top teams like Alabama, Tennessee, and Duke earlier in the season helped Illinois develop resilience. As a result, they entered the tournament battle-tested and ready to compete at a high level.
Xavier vs Illinois (NCAA)Illinois’ Defense Stifles Xavier, Setting Up Key Clash Against Kentucky
While Illinois’ offense was firing on all cylinders, its defense played just as big a role in securing the win. Xavier had been one of the hottest teams in the country, winning 13 of its last 17 games. The Musketeers had a top-20 offense in the final month of the season, but Illinois disrupted their rhythm.
The Illini held Xavier to 40.3% shooting and limited leading scorer Zach Freemantle to just five points on 2-for-9 shooting. Kylan Boswell locked down sharpshooter Ryan Conwell, holding him to just 12 points on 3-for-10 shooting. Meanwhile, Marcus Foster, who had 22 points in Xavier’s previous game, managed only three against Illinois.
Coach Sean Miller acknowledged Illinois’ defensive dominance, stating that his team would have needed an extraordinary performance to match them. With their size, athleticism, and defensive improvements, the Illini have positioned themselves as a dangerous team heading into the next round against Kentucky.
Illinois’ victory over Xavier showed that their youth would not hold them back in the tournament. Riley’s emergence as a go-to scorer, combined with strong performances from fellow freshmen, has given the team a high ceiling. Underwood emphasized that these players are no longer “freshmen” in his eyes, given the experience they have gained throughout the season.
With momentum on their side, Illinois is now focused on their next challenge: a Round of 32 matchup against Kentucky. Riley and his teammates believe they have what it takes to keep their run going. As he put it, “We got to get wins and go on a run. It’s great.”
