Illinois basketball had to wait longer than most teams to find out its first opponent in the men's NCAA Tournament , but the matchup is set.

The Fighting Illini (21-12) are a No. 6 seed in March Madness and will face No. 11 Xavier at 8:45 p.m. Friday in Milwaukee. The Musketeers (22-11) beat Texas 86-80 on Wednesday in a First Four game in Dayton, Ohio.

What to know about the Illinois Fighting Illini (21-12)

What to know about the Xavier Musketeers (22-11)

Illinois prediction: March Madness first round

Xavier had a nice streak to end the regular season and looked good in rallying against Texas. We think this will be a shootout, with the Illini able to play just enough defense to get the job done.