2026 Final Four Bound: Illinois Defeats Iowa in Men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament
Third-seeded Illinois faced ninth-seeded Iowa in a Big Ten-themed Elite Eight matchup. The Hawkeyes had early momentum from their prior wins in the tournament over top-seeded Florida and fourth-seeded Nebraska, and they carried that energy into the opening minutes. However, as the game progressed, Illinois used its size and presence to gradually take control, outscoring Iowa in the paint and pulling down significantly more rebounds. Despite Iowa's strong start, the Illini, one of this year’s surprises, took the lead and ultimately secured a 71-59 victory.
Iowa’s Hot Start Puts Illinois on the Defensive
Iowa started hot, grabbing a 12-2 lead after Kael Combs scored off a Tavion Banks steal. This marked Illinois' largest deficit of the tournament. Bennett Stirtz helped the Hawkeyes keep control until Illinois shifted the momentum. The Illini pulled within two after Andrej Stojakovic's layup. The teams traded baskets, but Iowa regained the momentum. A Tate Sage three-pointer extended the lead to 20 with just over 10 minutes left in the half. Just as Iowa appeared to pull ahead, Illinois answered. Tomislav Ivisic's layup and Keaton Wagler's three-pointer drew the Illini back within two.
Hawkeyes Maintain First Half Momentum
A layup and three-pointer by Stirtz put Iowa at 27 with six minutes to go. While the Hawkeyes outscored the Illini from the field, Illinois' scoring in the paint brought them within one with four minutes left. A three-pointer by Sage ended Iowa's three-minute scoring drought. Soon after, the Iowa guard sent Stojakovic to the line, keeping the Illini within two. Illinois then struggled, missing eight shots as the half neared its close. Cam Manyawu's layup, assisted by Stirtz, nearly sealed the half for the Hawkeyes. Iowa maintained momentum in the first half, as Illinois struggled early. Iowa’s offensive leader led Iowa with 15 points, and Wagler had 11 for Illinois.
Second Half Momentum Swings and Lead Changes
Ivisic opened the second half with a layup, bringing Illinois within two of Iowa. Momentum shifted when David Mirkovic made a layup and drew the foul, giving Illinois its first lead of the game. Banks quickly reclaimed the lead for the Hawkeyes with a three-pointer. Illinois’ frontcourt anchor responded in kind as the teams continued their back-and-forth exchange. Illinois has significantly improved from beyond the arc compared to their first half. A three from Wagler marks the ninth lead change within six minutes.
Illinois Takes Control Late
The lead changes continue, and the Illini lead 52-51 at the seven-minute mark. Illinois leads in rebounds, nearly doubling Iowa’s total of 16. The Illinois rebound leader scores two layups, giving Illinois its largest lead of the game at 56-51 and causing a Hawkeyes timeout. Zvonimir Ivisic dunks the ball, giving Illinois a 10-2 run. This shifts momentum, which Iowa had held for most of the game. Iowa is not out yet. A three-pointer by Isaia Howard keeps the Hawkeyes in the game. Illinois outscores Iowa in the paint, 40 to 19, and leads 63-59 going into the final two minutes. A series of fouls and late scores by Illinois seals the deal. The Illini finish with a 71-59 win over Iowa. Their size and resilience through surprise stars like Mirkovic and Stojakovic, despite falling behind early in the first half, have brought them to Indianapolis and this year's Final Four.
