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HOUSTON, Texas (WCIA) – For the first time in nearly two decades, Illinois men’s basketball has secured a spot in the Final Four, a feat they last achieved in 2005.
In a compelling Elite 8 matchup on Saturday in Houston, the Illini triumphed over Iowa with a decisive 71-59 victory.
This milestone marks head coach Brad Underwood’s inaugural journey to the Final Four, a significant accomplishment in his coaching career.
Illinois now waits to face off against the winner of Sunday’s showdown between UConn and Duke. The national semifinal clash is slated for Saturday, April 4.
The game began with a strong start from the Hawkeyes, who quickly took a commanding 12-2 lead by the first media timeout. However, Illinois countered impressively, launching a 9-0 run that brought them right back into contention.
Four turnovers in the first 10 minutes plagued Illinois.
After an 11 minute horn-malfunction which paused gameplay while stadium staff worked to resolve the issue – action eventually resumed but Illinois never did hold a lead in the first half.
Iowa led 32-28 at halftime as Bennett Stirtz led the way with 15 points. Illinois shot 37% from the field in the first half and 1-for-8 from three.
Illinois started the second half with a 5-0 run to secure its first lead of the evening with 18:36 left in the game.
The two teams played neck and neck from there, tied at 46 with 11:23 left in the game.
Back-to-back buckets from Tomislav Ivisic gave Illinois a five point lead with 5:41 left to play. Wagler followed up with a bucket to extend the lead to seven, Illinois’ biggest of the game at that point.
The Illini did not surrender the lead from there.
Freshman Keaton Wagler led the way with 23 points. Andrej Stojakovic scored 17 and Tomislav Ivisic pitched in with 13. David Mirkovic had nine points and 12 rebounds.