Illinois Advances to Final Four After Defeating Iowa

Illini look to continue strong second-half play against Hawkeyes

Mar. 27, 2026 at 5:03am

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The Illinois Fighting Illini have advanced to the Final Four of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes. The Illini will need to continue their strong second-half play and improve their free throw shooting to secure a spot in the national championship game.

Why it matters

This marks Illinois' first Final Four appearance in two decades, giving the team a chance at their first national title since 2005. The matchup against Iowa also renews a heated Big Ten rivalry, adding extra drama and excitement to the tournament.

The details

Illinois struggled at the free throw line, making just 12-of-21 attempts against Houston in the Elite Eight. However, the team was able to pull away in the second half, opening up a big lead that the Cougars couldn't overcome. Stopping Iowa's star guard Keaton Wagler will be crucial, as he has been a consistent scoring threat for the Hawkeyes throughout the tournament. Illinois held Wagler to just 12 points when the teams met in the regular season, and will look to replicate that defensive effort.

  • Illinois defeated Houston 75-65 on March 26, 2026 to advance to the Final Four.
  • Illinois and Iowa will face off on April 5, 2026 in the Final Four.

The players

Kylan Boswell

An Illinois guard who struggled with foul trouble and missed several free throws against Houston, but will need to play a bigger role against Iowa.

Keaton Wagler

Iowa's star guard who has been a consistent scoring threat throughout the tournament, but was held in check by Illinois earlier this season.

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What’s next

The winner of the Illinois-Iowa matchup will advance to the national championship game on April 7, 2026.

The takeaway

Illinois' ability to maintain their second-half dominance and improve their free throw shooting will be crucial in their quest to win the national championship and end their 20-year Final Four drought.