GREENVILLE, S.C. — The Illinois Fighting Illini delivered a dominant performance in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament on Thursday night, overpowering the Penn Quakers 105-70 at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. The victory, fueled by a record-setting rebounding effort and a hot shooting night, propels Illinois into the second round where they will face No. 11 seed VCU on Saturday. This blowout win over Penn marks a significant turnaround for a team that had stumbled down the stretch, losing five of its previous nine games.
David Mirkovic, a freshman forward for the Illini, led all scorers with 29 points and a remarkable 17 rebounds, setting a latest Illinois school record for rebounds in an NCAA Tournament game. Keaton Wagler added 18 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, showcasing his all-around game. Illinois shot 50% from the field, connecting on 15 three-pointers, and controlled the boards, outrebounding Penn 48-25. The Illini’s offensive firepower proved too much for the Ivy League champions, who were without leading scorer Ethan Roberts due to a concussion.
Mirkovic Dominates, Sets Tournament Record
Mirkovic’s performance was the story of the night. The freshman forward asserted his physicality from the opening tip, grabbing 10 rebounds in the first half alone as Illinois built a 40-30 lead. “He was the best player on the court tonight, especially in the first half, his physicality,” Illinois coach Brad Underwood said. “Ten rebounds in a half and 17 points. Again, we talk about (rebounds) being our daily vitamins and we had a 28-14 advantage at half. Then it was just delivering body blows.” Mirkovic described his approach as simply “crashing the board trying to bring that physicality,” adding, “I was crashing and I got a lot of straightforward points on the rim.”
Illini Rebounding a Key Factor
Beyond Mirkovic’s individual effort, Illinois’ commitment to rebounding proved decisive. The Illini’s 48 total rebounds overwhelmed Penn, limiting second-chance opportunities for the Quakers and fueling the Illini’s prompt-break offense. The team’s dominance on the glass was a key component of their offensive success, creating easy baskets and disrupting Penn’s rhythm. Wagler’s contribution extended beyond scoring, as he effectively guarded Penn’s TJ Power, who had scored 44 points in the Quakers’ Ivy League championship-clinching win over Yale. Underwood praised Wagler’s defensive effort, noting he “did a phenomenal job” despite allowing one three-pointer late in the first half.
Penn Struggles, Power Limited by Illness
Penn struggled to contain Illinois’ size and athleticism throughout the game. Michael Zanoni led the Quakers with 20 points, but it wasn’t enough to offset the Illini’s balanced attack. TJ Power, a key offensive threat for Penn, was visibly hampered by an illness, finishing with just six points on 2-of-8 shooting in 30 minutes. Penn coach Fran McCaffrey revealed that Power had received “four or five IVs” before the game but “wasn’t himself.” McCaffrey acknowledged Power’s toughness in battling through the illness, stating, “That is one tough kid there. I love him. He tried.”
After the game, the Penn players showed their appreciation for their fans, applauding them and acknowledging their support. One fan was heard shouting, “Next year, boys!”
Looking Ahead to VCU
Illinois will now turn its attention to a second-round matchup against No. 11 seed VCU on Saturday. The Illini previously defeated VCU 62-46 in their only prior meeting in 2016. The team will look to continue their dominant form and advance further in the tournament. Wagler believes Mirkovic deserves recognition among the nation’s top freshmen, alongside players like Cameron Boozer of Duke, Darryn Peterson of Kansas, and AJ Dybantsa of BYU, stating, “All year he’s been one of the best freshmen in the country…He rebounds, plays physical, plays hard all the time.”
The Illini’s performance on Thursday night demonstrated their potential to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Their rebounding prowess, balanced scoring, and defensive intensity will be key factors as they navigate the challenges ahead. Fans can find the latest updates and bracket information at the AP’s March Madness hub.
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