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HOUSTON, Texas (WCIA) – The Illinois men’s basketball team is making waves once again as they march into the Elite 8 for the second time in just three years.
In a gripping Sweet 16 showdown, the Illini showcased their formidable defense to secure a 65-55 victory over Houston.
With this win, Illinois is set to face off against Iowa in the Elite 8 on Saturday.
The game was marked by intense defensive play, especially in the first half, where neither team managed to score for the initial 4.5 minutes. At the first under-eight-minute media timeout, the score was locked at 14 apiece.
However, Illinois soon found their rhythm, launching a 7-0 run spearheaded by Andrej Stojakovic, who contributed five points. This surge prompted Houston’s head coach, Kelvin Sampson, to call a timeout as Illinois took a 21-14 lead with 4:19 remaining in the half.
Illinois extended the lead to eight shortly after that timeout.
However, the Cougars closed the first half on a 6-0 run to cut the lead down to two, Illinois led 24-22 at halftime. It was the lowest scoring total in the first half of a game in the entire NCAA Tournament thus far.
Illinois pulled back up seven, 33-26 and UH called another timeout less than four minutes into the second half.
Illinois surged further, opening up an 18 point lead with a 17-0 run. The Illini held firm control at the under-12 minute media timeout in the second half.
Houston wasn’t done yet, though – cutting the deficit back down to single digits with 5:20 left in the game. Illinois promptly responded with back-to-back three-pointers to go back up 15.
Houston found its way back within seven in the final 90 seconds.
Illinois made its free throws to hold on for the upset win.
Illinois got a balanced attack, with David Mirkovic, Andrej Stojakovic and Keaton Wagler all scoring in double figures. Wagler and Mirkovic both had double-doubles with points and rebounds.
Illinois and Iowa will tip-off at 5 p.m. on Saturday, with the winner advancing to the Final Four. Illinois beat Iowa 75-69, in Iowa City, in January.