-
-
Follow Us
-
On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
Free Newsletters
On YouTube
College Basketball Experts React to Illinois' Elite Eight Win Over Iowa
Just over two weeks ago, Illinois walked off the United Center floor with heads hung low. After the Illini fell to Wisconsin in overtime of the quarterfinal round of the Big Ten Tournament – their fifth loss in nine games – they were set to enter the NCAA Tournament without one iota of momentum.
How Illinois Beat Iowa: Five Game-Defining Stats From Their Elite Eight Win
Although the final score on Saturday indicated a 12-point advantage in Illinois' favor – a 71-59 win over Iowa – the Elite Eight clash was anything but a one-sided bout.
Brad Underwood News / Bleacher Report / March 28
3 Instant Observations From Illinois' NCAA Tournament Win Over Iowa
Somebody call the Federal Reserve. By the looks of it, Illinois may be too big to fail. The third-seeded Illini hung on through a rough start to Saturday's Elite Eight matchup with No.
Illinois Fighting Illini News / Athlon Sports / March 28
Illinois Advances to NCAA Tournament Final Four for First Time Since 2005
For more than two decades, it lingered. The near-misses, the frustration, the feeling that Illinois was always close but never quite back where it once stood.
Watch: Illinois advances to Final Four with narrow victory over Iowa
The Illinois Fighting Illini used hot second-half shooting to take down the Iowa Hawkeyes 71-59 on Saturday, punching their ticket to the Final Four. Iowa hit the ground running on both ends of the floor, jumping out to a 9-0 lead before Keaton Wagler finally put Illinois on the board.
3 Things to Watch When Illinois Faces Iowa in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight
Illinois is one step away from its first Final Four appearance since 2005 and its sixth all time. And just as no one predicted, No. 9 seed Iowa is in Illinois' way.
Illinois Fighting Illini News / ESPN / March 27
Illinois curbs alcohol sales Sat. with Final 4 on line 
Champaign officials announced an emergency order limiting alcohol sales on the Illinois campus on Saturday night in anticipation of potential property damage and excessive celebrations if the Fighting Illini beat Iowa to advance to the Final Four.
Brad Underwood News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / March 27
Best of the Presser: What Brad Underwood and the Illini Are Saying Ahead of Elite Eight
After advancing past Houston on Thursday and securing its place among the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight, Illinois has drawn a matchup with a familiar Big Ten foe in Iowa , which knocked off eighth-seeded Clemson, No.
Is Illinois the Top National Title Contender After Dismantling Houston in Sweet 16?
One month ago to the day, Michigan and Morez Johnson Jr. came into Champaign and sent a clear message: Illinois did not belong in the top tier of college basketball.
5 Key Stats That Defined Illinois' Sweet 16 Victory vs Houston
On Thursday night, Illinois met Houston for a highly anticipated Sweet 16 clash – one the Cougars were expected to control. Instead, the Illini led for
Illinois Fighting Illini News / ESPN / March 27
Illini defense gets tough to oust No. 2 Houston
Illinois held Houston to just 34% shooting in its lowest-scoring game of the season, as the Fighting Illini won 65-55 to advance to the Elite Eight.
Brad Underwood News / College Sports Only / March 26
Brad Underwood Not Phased By True Away Game in Sweet 16
Playing a true away game in the Sweet 16 is no easy feat, but it’ll take a lot more to phase Illinois head coach Brad Underwood than playing against Houston in Houston, TX.
Illinois Fighting Illini News / Big Ten Network / March 24
Preview: Illinois vs Vanderbilt in the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament
Illinois women’s basketball took care of the first step. Now comes the much bigger one.After knocking off Colorado 66-57 in the first round Saturday night, the No.
Illinois Fighting Illini News / Athlon Sports / March 22
Illinois Is The Only School In The Nation Doing This And It’s Not Even Close
There’s a tendency this time of year to get lost in the moment. A big win, a hot shooting night, a team catching fire at exactly the right time. That’s what March is built on.
Illinois Fighting Illini News / Total Apex Sports / March 22
Illinois Fighting Illini Dominate VCU Rams Behind Andrej Stojakovic Brilliance to Advance to Sweet Sixteen
There would be no epic comeback this time around for the VCU Rams, as the Illinois Fighting Illini cruised to an easy 76-55 win in Greenville on Saturday night to secure a second trip to the Sweet Sixteen in the past three seasons.
Breaking News
Trending News
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
Popular Quizzes
Today's Latest News
MY ACCOUNT
SUBSCRIBE
ADVERTISE
JOBS
FAQ
PRIVACY POLICY COOKIE POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
PRIVACY POLICY COOKIE POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Copyright 2026 YB Media, LLC. All rights reserved.
By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.