While it’s hard to know what, exactly, will happen when the Kentucky Wildcats and Illinois Fighting Illini meet in the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, it’s safe to assume that this will be a high-scoring affair.

Both teams rank among the top 10 in scoring offense, with Kentucky averaging 85 points per game and Illinois averaging 83.9.

In the first round, Kentucky advanced following a 76-57 win against Troy, while the Fighting Illini put up 86 points in a win over Xavier on Friday.

A trip to the Sweet 16 is on the line; here’s how to tune in to what’s shaping up to be an exciting matchup.

What time is Kentucky vs. Illinois?

Kentucky plays Illinois in the Midwest regional second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament today, March 23. Tip-off is at approximately 5:15 p.m. ET.

The Post has you covered with a printable NCAA bracket featuring the full 68-team March Madness 2025 field.

What channel is the Kentucky vs. Illinois game on?

The Kentucky vs. Illinois game is airing on CBS.

How to watch Kentucky vs. Illinois in the NCAA Tournament:

Cut the cable cord already? No problem! There are still options to watch March Madness.

One we recommend is DIRECTV and its Stream via Internet plans. Similarly to a cable subscription, you’ll lock into pricing for two years, but you’ll gain access to live TV via your home Wi-fi and DIRECTV’s Gemini streaming device, rather than via satellite.

In addition to DIRECTV, here are a few more ways you can stream Kentucky vs. Illinois:

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No. 6 seed Illinois and No. 3 seed Kentucky play March 23 in a March Madness NCAA Tournament second-round game at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The Midwest Region game is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. MST and can be seen on CBS (stream with FUBO).

Who will win the March Madness game and advance to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA bracket?

Check out these NCAA Tournament second-round picks and predictions for the men’s college basketball matchup.

Illinois is a 1.5-point favorite over Kentucky in the game in March Madness odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook. The Fighting Illini are -130 on the moneyline. The Wildcats are +105. The over/under for the game is set at 170.5 points.

Saturday March Madness second round picks: McNeese vs Purdue | Arkansas vs St. John’s | Michigan vs Texas A&M | Drake vs Texas Tech | Creighton vs Auburn | BYU vs Wisconsin | Gonzaga vs Houston | UCLA vs Tennessee | The Republic’s predictions

Sunday March Madness second round picks: UConn vs Florida | Baylor vs Duke | Illinois vs Kentucky | Saint Mary’s vs Alabama | Colorado State vs Maryland | Ole Miss vs Iowa State | New Mexico vs Michigan State | Oregon vs Arizona | The Republic’s predictions

Watch Illinois vs Kentucky on FUBO (free trial)

Jeremy Cluff writes: “We think this game is a toss-up and the odds agree with us, the point spread for this game is the smallest one for Sunday’s March Madness games. We picked Illinois to lose to Xavier in the first round. We’re not picking them to lose in the second.”

More March Madness: How to watch games | Announcers | NCAA Tournament odds | Game odds | Printable bracket

Dimers: Illinois 83, Kentucky 82

It writes: “After extensive simulations, our model gives Illinois a win probability of 55%, while Kentucky has a win probability of 45%.”

March Madness schedule, TV channels: How to watch, stream NCAA Tournament second round

Ryan Black writes: “Expect plenty of points in this one. The Wildcats and Illini are among the top 10 in Division I in scoring offense … and outside the top 250 in scoring defense. UK has found ways to win close games all season. Here’s betting Mark Pope’s outfit strikes upon a winning formula in a tight contest featuring double-digit lead changes, ties and swings in momentum before the Illini’s last-chance 3 at the buzzer grazes the rim.”

March Madness TV announcers schedule: Who is calling NCAA Tournament second-round games?

Wes Huett writes: “Don’t take your eyes off the screen too much this Sunday or you’re bound to miss a basket. Expect a high-scoring showdown here between two high-ceiling teams. Brad Underwood knows how to coach in the tournament — and if Illinois shoots like it did Friday, the Illini move on to the Sweet 16.”

March Madness NCAA Tournament odds: Who is favored to win 2025 national championship now?

March Madness odds: Point spreads, moneylines, over/unders for NCAA Tournament second round

ESPN: Kentucky has a 52.6% chance to beat Illinois

The site gives the Fighting Illini a 47.4% shot at defeating the Wildcats in Sunday’s second-round March Madness NCAA Tournament game.

More: Printable March Madness bracket for making 2025 NCAA Tournament picks, predictions

Ready to win March Madness? Join USA TODAY’s Survivor Pool today!

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Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.

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