Even though Illinois made a quick exit from the Big Ten Tournament last week, they had something to celebrate this morning. The 64 teams for the NCAA Baseball Tournament were announced on ESPNU and the Illinois players were assembled to watch. Players, staff and media assembled at the Urbana Country Club to determine the team’s fate.
Great news! Their season is not over yet.
Illinois will advance to the Oxford Regional hosted by Ole Miss as a #2 seed in the tournament. Their first opponent will be third seed Clemson. They will play Friday at 3pm to begin the NCAA Regionals. Rounding out the Oxford Regional is fourth seed Jacksonville State.
“The plan all along was to go to Omaha” -Jack Yalowitz
There are a total of five Big Ten teams who have received an invitation to the NCAA Tournament. In addition to Illinois and Ohio State (who received an automatic bid due to their Big Ten Tournament win), three other teams have also been issued an invitation. Michigan, Indiana and Nebraska will also be participating in the Road to Omaha.
“It’s a good opportunity for us to get Illinois back on the map.” -Michael Massey
More info
Here is the entire 64-team NCAA tourney bracket
You can find the Tourney Central for the Oxford Regional here.
Good luck, Illini!!