 The Illini tied the all-time NCAA record for victories in a season with 37 wins en route to its 37–2 record (since surpassed by 2011–12 Kentucky with a 38–2 record and 2014–15 Kentucky with a 38–1 record).Illinois made its fifth all-time NCAA Final Four appearance and first since 1989.The Illini defeated Louisville in the national semifinal to advance to the championship game for the first time in school history.