In Sunday’s NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament play, Illinois faces Kentucky at 4:15 p.m. followed by Ole Miss against Iowa State at 6:45 p.m. at Fiserv Forum. On Friday, four teams competed for their spot.

Game Highlights

 Former Pewaukee native and Iowa State sophomore Milan Momcilovic led the Cyclones to an 82-55 victory over Lipscomb. Momcilovic delivered impressive play, recording his second-highest season scoring 20 points, five rebounds, two assists, and one steal. Ole Miss overcame North Carolina in the second game with a 71-64 win. Senior Sean Pedulla starred for Ole Miss, scoring 20 points, six rebounds, and five assists. The team tallied 40 rebounds, 13 assists, three steals, three blocks, and five turnovers. The third matchup featured Kentucky defeating Troy 76-57. Kentucky’s team effort included 39 rebounds, 10 turnovers, and five steals. Junior Otega Oweh led the team with 20 points, grabbing 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Closing the night, Illinois beat Xavier 86-73, with the team stats of 45 rebounds, 14 assists, 14 turnovers, and four blocks. Sophomore Tomislav Ivisic led in scoring with 20 points, 10 rebounds, one  assist, and one steal. 

Post-game Press Conference 

Three former Wisconsin natives were key topics during the post-game press conference following the Iowa and Lipscomb matchup. Iowa head coach TJ Otzelberger praised Momcilovic for his hard work on the court and spoke about how thrilled the sophomore was to return to Wisconsin and secure a win against Lipscomb. On the opposing side, Sheboygan native Jacob Ogancevic shared his reflections on the experience, expressing gratitude for playing in Milwaukee despite a disappointing loss. Former Wauwatosa native Seth Trimble, now representing North Carolina, addressed the media emphasizing his determination to keep a positive mindset after a tough loss in his hometown. “I love that I had my people here, but my biggest focus was this team and doing what I could do to win the game.”