Talent and depth are in Illinois’ favor. They’re fifth in Division I in 3-point attempts per game at over 30 and can light up the scoreboard if shots are falling.

But Illinois isn’t a great shooting team, and Xavier rides in full of emotion as a First Four winner on Wednesday. The Musketeers mounted a 10-point comeback late in the game to advance to the big bracket.

Illinois averages 83.8 points per game and five players average over 10 points, but streaky is the buzzword for Brad Underwood’s boys. Against Maryland, the Illini shot just 36.5 percent and missed 21 of their 27 shots from deep.

The key could be the play of Illinois sophomore Tomislav Ivisic, a 7-1 big who can play outside or with his back to the basket.