GREENVILLE, S.C. — The matchup between the No. 3 Illinois Fighting Illini and the No. 14 Penn Quakers in the first round of the men’s NCAA Tournament on Thursday night isn’t just a basketball game; it’s a reunion of sorts for two longtime coaching colleagues, Brad Underwood and Fran McCaffery. Although the stakes are high – a trip to the second round and a potential path to the Elite Eight – the personal connection between the two coaches adds another layer to what promises to be a compelling contest at Bon Secours Wellness Arena, locally known as “The Well.” The game, scheduled for 9:25 p.m. ET and televised on TNT, pits Underwood’s experienced Illinois squad (24-8) against McCaffery’s resilient Penn team (18-11), making its first tournament appearance since 2018.
The history between Underwood and McCaffery runs deep, marked by years of competitive battles during their time in the Big Ten when Underwood led Illinois and McCaffery coached Iowa. Their relationship extends beyond the court, built on mutual respect and a shared understanding of the challenges of collegiate basketball. This personal dynamic, but, won’t soften either coach’s approach to the game. Underwood acknowledged the friendly rivalry, but emphasized the importance of focusing on his team’s preparation and execution. The Daily Illini reported that Underwood feels his team is in a good headspace after a week off following their early exit in the Big Ten tournament.
A Familiar Foe, A Different Challenge
Underwood isn’t taking Penn lightly, recalling a painful lesson from a decade ago when he witnessed his mentor, Bob Huggins, fall victim to a 14-over-3 upset in the tournament. In 2016, as an assistant coach under Huggins at West Virginia, Underwood saw Stephen F. Austin defeat the Mountaineers 70-56, a game defined by 22 turnovers forced by the underdog. “I don’t know why anybody would waste energy pressing us. We’ll throw it to you regardless,” Huggins famously quipped afterward, a sentiment that underscores the unpredictable nature of March Madness. The historical precedent is stark: since the tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985, No. 14 seeds have upset No. 3 seeds 23 times in 160 tries, a 14.4% success rate.
Penn’s journey to the tournament was highlighted by a dramatic victory over Yale in the Ivy League tournament, secured with a score of 88-84 in overtime. Leading the charge for the Quakers was forward TJ Power, who exploded for 44 points and 14 rebounds in that championship game. However, Penn will be without its leading scorer, Ethan Roberts, who is currently in concussion protocol and will not play against Illinois, according to McCaffery. “If it was his ankle, he’d be playing. Tape it up,” McCaffery said, emphasizing the seriousness of the injury. “But the concussion stuff, you don’t mess with that. His future is too important, and we love him.”
McCaffery’s Return and a History of Tournament Appearances
This tournament appearance is particularly meaningful for McCaffery, who returned to his alma mater, Penn, after being fired from his position at Iowa following 15 seasons. At 66, McCaffery is back in Philadelphia, his hometown, and looking to build a winning program with the Quakers. Despite a career marked by 12 NCAA Tournament appearances across multiple institutions – Lehigh, UNC Greensboro, Siena, and Iowa – McCaffery has yet to lead a team past the second round. Critics have pointed to this as a blemish on his otherwise impressive resume, but Underwood recognizes McCaffery’s coaching acumen. “What he’s done with that team is just short of amazing,” Underwood said. “They’re good. It’s a good basketball team. I see Fran’s thumbprint all over it, and the competitiveness.”
McCaffery’s track record includes multiple tournament berths with Siena, where he won first-round games twice, and seven appearances with Iowa. He has a knack for building competitive programs, and his arrival at Penn has already yielded positive results. Underwood acknowledged McCaffery’s ability to assemble teams that prioritize winning, stating, “He gets pieces that fit. He gets pieces that prioritize winning, and his teams continue to win. Because, as we know, some teams that build rosters now look good on paper, but they don’t win.”
Looking Ahead: A Test for Both Coaches
Despite the favorable matchup and a 24½-point spread, Underwood isn’t overlooking Penn. The game at Bon Secours Wellness Arena presents a significant opportunity for Illinois to advance in the tournament and continue its pursuit of a national championship. For McCaffery, it’s a chance to prove that he can replicate his success at Penn and lead the Quakers on a deep tournament run. The outcome of this first-round clash will not only determine which team moves on but will also add another chapter to the ongoing story of the Underwood-McCaffery rivalry.
The Illinois-Penn game is scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 9:25 p.m. ET on TNT. Fans can also stream the game on Sling TV. The winner will advance to face No. 11 VCU, who upset No. 6 UNC in overtime, 82-78.
What do you think? Will Illinois live up to its seeding, or will Penn pull off a stunning upset? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
