Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning. "This is the hardest part," Miller said. "It comes to an end. That's the amazing nature of this tournament. When you win it's amazing.

The No. 6 Fighting Illini cruised to a 86-73 victory against the No. 11 Musketeers in the opening round of the NCAA tournament inside Fiserv Forum. Illinois advances to Sunday's second round against No. 3 Kentucky, which beat No. 14 Troy earlier Friday.

First-round action in the men's NCAA Tournament continues Friday with a first-round matchup between Illinois and Xavier in the Midwest Region.