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Bracketology 2023: UCLA, Kansas, and Creighton among week’s biggest winners

Dec 25, 2022; Omaha, Nebraska, USA; Creighton Bluejays guard Ryan Nembhard (2) celebrates after guard Trey Alexander (23) scored his thirtieth point of the game against the DePaul Blue Demons in the second half at CHI Health Center Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2022; Omaha, Nebraska, USA; Creighton Bluejays guard Ryan Nembhard (2) celebrates after guard Trey Alexander (23) scored his thirtieth point of the game against the DePaul Blue Demons in the second half at CHI Health Center Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /
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Big Ten Basketball
Bracketology Illinois Fighting Illini Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports /

Illinois Fighting Illini

After the game against Minnesota was postponed due to covid issues with the Gophers’ program, the Illini had just one game this past week, at home against Rutgers. Not only was it a game for positioning in the Big Ten standings but it was a Quad one opportunity for both sides.

Despite being down at the half, Illinois was able to stage a comeback in the final 20 minutes to pull out the 69-60 win, led by 18 points from Coleman Hawkins. That gives them an 8-7 record against Quad 1 and 2 opponents while having none elsewhere.

It’s also important to note that those early wins against Texas and UCLA continue to look as good as possible. I’m not saying this because I believe that Illinois is anywhere near the bubble but that they have a resume that warrants consideration of a 4 seed in Bracketology. They have elite wins and no bad losses and still have road battles with Purdue and Indiana left on the schedule.

In fact, the Fighting Illini has the Hoosiers this weekend in what will be a marquee matchup. But they have to not overlook Penn State on the road a few days prior as the Nittany Lions barely holding onto their at-large hopes.