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Fighting Illini vs Hawkeyes

CBB • E8 • Mar 28 2026

Toyota Center (Houston)

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197

Fighting Illini

713

Hawkeyes

599

Team

1st2ndFinal

Fighting Illini

Fighting Illini

284371

Hawkeyes

322759

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Takes

THE ILLINI ARE FINAL FOUR BOUND FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE. The start had me really worried but we turned it up in the clutch. I love this team

@newyorkdepression

Spot the imposter, Final Four edition: UCONN, Arizona, Michigan and Illinois

@FlameRaptorRaven

If a dictionary had the term “back-and-forth game”, there would be just the play-by-play of this game between the first and last 5 minutes next to it. Iowa caught Illinois off guard, frazzling their ball handlers and jumping out to a 9-0 run before Illinois’s players could finish tying their shoes. That run became 12-2 quickly and by the time commercials arrived, Illinois didn’t look ready. They bounced back, managed to make it close and thus began the back-and-forth battle. Neither team could pull away in any way whatsoever for what felt like ages. Iowa entered halftime with a slim lead thanks to their shooting while Illinois dominated the glass. It was more of the same in the 2nd half, endlessly back-and-forth that also happened to be mistake-free basketball. This was a battle between 2 great teams, but eventually, with just a few minutes to go, Illinois pulled away thanks to Stojakovic going off and Wagler had Iowa stumbling with his play. Valiant effort from the Hawkeyes.

Stirz is the goat. Illinois is just more athletic and pulled away at the end. Fina score doesn’t explain how close it was throughout the whole game

ILLINOIS IS GOING TO THE FINAL FOUR! It was their DOMINATION in the paint while putting up a hefty amount more rebounds than Iowa that won them the game.

@maromaster5056

I don’t care how much bigger the other team is, rebound the goddamn ball. At least we beat Nebraska.

I am old enough to thoroughly remember the Dee Brown, Luther Head, Deron Williams led Illini that last reached the Final Four in 2005 and I think this team would smoke them. They just snuffed out Iowa in the 2nd half there really wasn’t any doubt after the 7 minute mark. Incredible run for Iowa and Ben McCollum the guy should have his pick of the litter for his next gig.

Saint Petersburg, FL

Brad Underwood has done a phenomenal job at Illinois. Best team since 2005. Bring on the Final Four and let’s keep this party going.

Both teams fought hard with Iowa starting the game off 12-2 but in the end Illinois was able to win it with an amazing endgame shame to see the 9 seeded Cinderella end but it was nice whilst it lasted Illinois is now off to play Duke/UConn in the final 4

wish iowa kept it close just a bit longer. first 35 minutes or so were really fun but just lacked a good finish this game deserved

Partially Watched

wagler and stirtz are unreal

those euros are very good at basketball

big ten matchup in the elite eight yes sir. iowa was in it most of the game mostly because they had white boy of the tournament Bennett Stirtz. He enters a class with names such as Doug Edert, Jack Gohlke, etc. Congrats Bennett. Keaton Waglers creativity when the ball is in his hand is terrifying at his age. that half-spin stepback move is actually filthy he snatched that man’s whole bloodline good lord. Illinois much deserved final four appearance.

Very good back and forth game. Iowa caught hard. But the Illinois offense was great. Keaton Wagler was great for Illinois. Illinois is going to the Final Four.

Fighting Illini vs Hawkeyes - 03/28/26 - E8 | RateGame