CHAMPAIGN, Ill.– ESPN Events on Monday announced matchups for the 2023 Jimmy V Men's Classic Presented by Corona. The college basketball doubleheader at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, Dec. 5 features Illinois taking on Florida Atlantic and Connecticut vs. North Carolina. Both games will air on ESPN, with times to be announced 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. "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."
Illinois heads to New York City for the Jimmy V Classic for the second straight season. Last year, the Illini knocked off No. 2 Texas at The Garden in overtime, 85-78. Illinois is appearing in the Jimmy V for the third time in four seasons during the Underwood era, and the fifth time overall.
The Jimmy V Classic, named for legendary college basketball coach Jim Valvano, annually raises money and awareness for the V Foundation for Cancer Research. The men's classic began in 1995 and is in its 29th year – 20th at Madison Square Garden. The women's event debuted in 2002. Both events are part of ESPN's V Week initiative, which utilizes platforms to talk to sports fans about the importance of cancer research. To date, ESPN has helped raise nearly $200 million dollars for the V Foundation. In 2022, V Week helped raise a record breaking $14.4 million dollars which was a 32% increase over 2020 fundraising.
Tickets for the men's doubleheader will go on sale this fall. First priority and access to the best seats will be offered to fans who sign up for the pre-sale through jimmyvclassic.com.
Dec. 9, 2014 – #7 Villanova 73, Illinois 59 (Madison Square Garden, New York, N.Y.)
Dec. 2, 2020 – #2 Baylor 82, #5 Illinois 69 (Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind.)
Dec. 6, 2022 – #17 Illinois 85, #2 Texas 78, OT (Madison Square Garden, New York, N.Y.)
"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. "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."
Illinois heads to New York City for the Jimmy V Classic for the second straight season. Last year, the Illini knocked off No. 2 Texas at The Garden in overtime, 85-78. Illinois is appearing in the Jimmy V for the third time in four seasons during the Underwood era, and the fifth time overall.
The Jimmy V Classic, named for legendary college basketball coach Jim Valvano, annually raises money and awareness for the V Foundation for Cancer Research. The men's classic began in 1995 and is in its 29th year – 20th at Madison Square Garden. The women's event debuted in 2002. Both events are part of ESPN's V Week initiative, which utilizes platforms to talk to sports fans about the importance of cancer research. To date, ESPN has helped raise nearly $200 million dollars for the V Foundation. In 2022, V Week helped raise a record breaking $14.4 million dollars which was a 32% increase over 2020 fundraising.
Tickets for the men's doubleheader will go on sale this fall. First priority and access to the best seats will be offered to fans who sign up for the pre-sale through jimmyvclassic.com.
Illinois Jimmy V Classic History (1-3)
Dec. 9, 2003 – Providence 70, #14 Illinois 51 (Madison Square Garden, New York, N.Y.)Dec. 9, 2014 – #7 Villanova 73, Illinois 59 (Madison Square Garden, New York, N.Y.)
Dec. 2, 2020 – #2 Baylor 82, #5 Illinois 69 (Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind.)
Dec. 6, 2022 – #17 Illinois 85, #2 Texas 78, OT (Madison Square Garden, New York, N.Y.)
