Illinois basketball can breathe a sigh of relief now that the NCAA Tournament selection committee has granted the program a bid in the West Region. With a No. 12 seed, the Illini will face No. 5 Virginia Tech on Friday in Columbus, Ohio.

Intriguing matchups may await the Illinois team if it goes far enough in the tournament. If both Illinois and No. 4 Southern Illinois win their opening-round games, Bruce Weber could meet his former employer in the round of 32. Also, with Kansas receiving the No. 1 in the Midwest, getting to the Sweet 16 could provide a match-up with former Illinois coach Bill Self.

Ohio State, Florida and North Carolina also received No. 1 seeds. The Big Ten will be sending six teams to the tournament: Illinois, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan State and Purdue.