Minutes later, Kentucky had opened up a 25-13 lead sparked by defense. Kentucky forced eight Illinois turnovers — all of them off steals — and converted them into 14 points during the run.

Illinois responded to close the gap to 37-32 by halftime. But the second half started much like the first.

Kentucky scored its first bucket of the half on an Otega Oweh transition layup made possible by an Andrew Carr steal. The bucket sparked an 8-0 Kentucky run that ballooned the Wildcats' lead up to 45-32.

Illinois answered with another run to cut the Kentucky lead to 60-51. But a personal run by Brea put Kentucky back in control.

Brea scored 10 consecutive Kentucky points in a four-possession stretch that included two 3-pointers and extended Kentucky's lead to 16 points at 70-54 with 9:32 remaining.

Illinois reapplied pressure and cut the Kentucky lead to 74-68 in the final two minutes. But a layup by Carr with 1:13 remaining extended the lead back to double digits, and Illinois didn't threaten again.

Brea led the offensive effort for Kentucky with 23 points and six rebounds while hitting 3 of 8 3-point attempts. Butler was a force on both sides of the court with 14 points, five assists and three steals while hitting 2 of 3 3-point attempts. Kentucky forced 14 Illinois turnovers, all of them off steals.

Kylan Boswell led Illinois in the losing effort with 23 points and six assists.

Up next for Kentucky is a rematch with SEC foe and No. 2 seed Tennessee in the Sweet 16. The Wildcats swept a two-game series in the regular season.