Dailyn Swain achieved a career-high of 27 points, but Xavier’s season concluded on Friday evening with an 86-73 defeat against Illinois in the NCAA Tournament’s opening round at Fiserv Forum.
Swain had an impressive performance, hitting 10-of-17 shots, sinking three from beyond the arc, and contributing eight rebounds and three assists during his 30 minutes on the court. He was supported by teammates Ryan Conwell and Dayvion McKnight, each scoring 12 points.
Zach Freemantle, who was Xavier’s top scorer throughout most of the season with an average of 17.2 points per game, struggled to make an impact, finishing the game with only five points on 2-of-9 shooting and adding three rebounds in 25 minutes played.
Coach Sean Miller acknowledged the strength of the Illinois team, noting, “I thought we faced an excellent Illinois team… If that wasn’t their best, then they’re really good.” He felt his team needed to deliver an extraordinary performance to win but fell short of Illinois’s level of play.
While Xavier faced challenges in establishing an offensive rhythm at times, their main issue lay in their inability to contain Illinois’s formidable offense. The Illini shot 48.3% overall, achieved 12-of-30 from three-point range, and went a perfect 18-for-18 from the free-throw line. Freshman Will Riley led Illinois with 22 points, while Tomislav Ivisic had 20 points and 10 rebounds, and Kasparas Jakucionis finished with 16 points and 10 assists, just shy of a triple-double.
Illinois’s coach, Brad Underwood, praised his team’s performance, emphasizing their strong defensive effort and rebounding advantage. He believed they executed well and maintained balance, showcasing their ability to win without solely depending on offensive success.
As Xavier’s season ends, attention will shift to the offseason, particularly with rumors regarding Coach Sean Miller’s future. Several key players, including Jerome Hunter and Zach Freemantle, have completed their eligibility, and evaluations will begin for potential returning players. This upcoming week is likely to be crucial as player meetings take place and the transfer portal opens, setting the stage for future changes in the roster.
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