Illinois leans on defense
Illinois beat Houston 65–55 to punch its Elite Eight ticket by throttling Houston — holding them to 34% shooting and just two free‑throw attempts (youtube.com). Coach Brad Underwood credited tactical adaptability and size, a blueprint that could make the Illinois vs. Iowa matchup a rebounding and possession battle (youtube.com).
The Sweet 16 game was played at Houston’s Toyota Center on March 26, 2026, with an announced attendance of 17,307. (espn.com)) David Mirkovic finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds, Keaton Wagler posted 13 points and 12 rebounds, and Andrej Stojakovic also scored 13 for Illinois. (espn.com)) Illinois owned the glass 43-34 and turned a close second-half stretch into a decisive 17-0 run; Jake Davis scored five during that burst and Ben Humrichous followed Mirkovic with consecutive 3-pointers to extend the lead. (espn.com)) Houston’s lineup included Kingston Flemings (11 points on 4‑of‑10 shooting) while Milos Uzan struggled, making 2 of 11 shots, and the Cougars entered the game with a 30-7 record after reaching the national title game last season. (espn.com)) The victory sends Illinois to its 11th Elite Eight and marks the program’s second regional final in three seasons under Brad Underwood; Illinois improved to 27-8 on the year. (espn.com)) Illinois will meet No. 9 seed Iowa in the South Regional Final on Saturday, March 28, with tip scheduled for 5:09 p.m. CT on TBS; Iowa reached the Elite Eight by beating Nebraska 77-71 in the Sweet 16. (hawkeyeswire.usatoday.com))
