Milwaukee March Madness and the battle for school pride beyond the court

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- When you think of March Madness, the first thing you think of is basketball and the fans, but they aren’t the only ones bringing the energy to the court.

"We always say we have the best seats in the house," said Peyton Mraz with the University of Illinois Cheer. "We are right there on the side of the court. We love looking up at the crowd."

With high stakes to secure the National Championship title, March Madness goes beyond the court.

"The team really feeds off our energy, so being able to bring that especially with the band, it's such a great feeling," said Kaitlyn Brese with Xavier University Cheer. "When we are able to see the team feed off all our positive energy, I think that it really helps bring up the spirits."

Xavier University and the University of Illinois are among many colleges bringing their band and cheer team along for the fight to the finals.

"I think bringing the band and the cheer makes a huge impact," said Lauren Verkamp with Xavier University Band. "I think when we have people cheering for the team and they can always feel the energy it makes it a better environment for everyone."

The two teams go head-to-head on Friday, rallying the crowd and rooting for their team.

"We're also a significant part of the crowd too," said Tyler Van Draska with University of Illinois Band. "Just getting excited cheering ourselves, it just gets everybody else amped up around us and I really do believe it's influential for the games."

It's a battle for school spirit on the court and the sidelines.

Illinois and Xavier tip off at Fiserv Forum on Friday at 8:45 p.m. If you can't make it in person, you can watch it on CBS 58.