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Illinois set to play 2023 Final Four team at Madison Square Garden
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Illinois is set to play a team fresh off a trip to the Final Four in one of basketball’s premier venues. ESPN revealed the matchups for this year’s Jimmy V Classic, and the Illini have drawn Florida Atlantic.
The Jimmy V Classic will take place on Dec. 5 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. This year’s Classic features a doubleheader of Illinois vs. Florida Atlantic and North Carolina vs. UConn. Tip off times will be revealed at a later date.
“We are pleased to once again participate in the Jimmy V Classic and support the V Foundation in the fight against cancer,” Illinois head coach Brad Underwood said in an ESPN release.
“It is an honor to return to The Garden for the Jimmy V and play in The World’s Most Famous Arena. Facing a veteran Florida Atlantic team coming off a Final Four appearance will be a tremendous opportunity for our team; we look forward to the challenge.”
Florida Atlantic is currently ranked No. 9 in ESPN’s Way-Too-Early Top 25 for the 2023-24 season.
“Florida Atlantic Basketball is thrilled to be a part of this year’s Jimmy V Classic,” FAU coach Dusty May said, via ESPN. “We look forward to participating in this event and, most importantly, supporting the V Foundation. For our group, returning to Madison Square Garden will be very special and we’re excited for the opportunity to play a great program like Illinois.”
A former Florida beat reporter, Andrew writes for the Saturday Tradition News Desk.