Illinois Vaults Into Final Four, Ends 21-Year Wait With 71-59 Win Over Iowa
Key Takeaways
- Illinois defeated Iowa 71-59 in the Elite Eight to reach the Final Four.
- Illinois advances to the Final Four for the first time since 2005.
- Illinois beat Houston 65-55 in the Sweet 16 to reach the Elite Eight.
Historic Final Four return
Illinois's 71-59 Elite Eight win over Iowa in Houston vaults the Fighting Illini into the Final Four for the first time since 2005, ending a 21-year wait.
“Illinois seeks a Final Four berth and Underwood’s Eastern European recruiting is a big reason why Illinois seeks a Final Four berth and Underwood’s Eastern European recruiting is a big reason why HOUSTON (AP) — Given the success Illinois coach Brad Underwood has had with recruits from Eastern Europe, he plans to keep adding such players to his team and is sure that many others will follow suit”
The victory hinged on a decisive second-half surge and a 10-1 run that opened the game up.
Freshman standouts Keaton Wagler and David Mirkovic anchored the performance, with Wagler delivering 25 points and 12 rebounds and Mirkovic adding 14 points and 10 rebounds.
This result marks a historic milestone in a season built on a tough, disciplined brand of defense and relentless rebounding.
Freshmen double-doubles fuel win
Wagler finished with a game-high 25 points and 12 rebounds, while Mirkovic added 14 points and 10 rebounds.
They became the first pair of freshman teammates in Illinois history to record double-doubles in the same NCAA tournament game since freshmen became fully eligible in 1972-73.
Iowa’s Bennett Stirtz had 24 points, but Illinois’ front line controlled the action on the glass.
The Illinois rebounding edge created extra possessions and helped fuel the late surge.
Recruitment-driven ascent
Illinois’ late-season triumphs have been powered by a mix of defensive discipline and rebounding efficiency.
AP News highlights that Underwood’s Eastern European recruitment is a major factor shaping the program’s trajectory and a strategy he plans to continue.
Illinois will face Duke or UConn in the Final Four, signaling a new phase for a program that has chased a national title for years.
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