Loyola-Chicago among 5 of the greatest NCAA Tournament runs in Illinois history
By Ryan Heckman
Nick Anderson, Kendall Gill and Kenny Battle were donned “The Flying Illini” back in the 1988-1989 season. The Illinois Fighting Illini were one of the most exciting teams in basketball that year and featured multiple future pros.
Illinois finished their regular season with a record of 27-4 that year, after starting their season ripping off 17 straight wins. Entering the NCAA Tournament riding a six-game win streak, the Illini were poised for one heck of a run.
Starting in Indianapolis, Illinois beat both McNeese State and Ball State at the RCA Dome to advance to the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
In Minneapolis, Illinois took on Louisville and came up with their most decisive victory in all of their tournament, beating the Cardinals 83-69. Staying in the Metrodome, the Illini squared off with the Syracuse Orangemen and again came away with a victory, 89-86.
They say a third time’s a charm, and that was true for Michigan when they attempted to finally overtake the Illini after being beaten twice in the regular season. Illinois had given the Wolverines their last taste of defeat right before entering the tournament, and Michigan was ready for a win this time.
Illinois lost in the National Semifinals by just two points, 83-81, falling a game short of the National Championship.