Iowa's NCAA run ends in Elite Eight with loss to Illinois

Hawkeyes fall to Illini 71-59 in regional final

Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:55am

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The ninth-seeded University of Iowa men's basketball team fell to third-seeded Illinois, 71-59, on Saturday night at the Honda Center in the Elite Eight. The Hawkeyes finish the season 24-13 overall, marking the program's first Elite Eight appearance since 1987.

Why it matters

Iowa's unexpected tournament run came to an end against a tough Illinois squad, but the Hawkeyes exceeded expectations by reaching the Elite Eight for the first time in decades. The loss is disappointing, but the team's overall performance this season has generated excitement and renewed hope for the program's future.

The details

Iowa opened the game on a 12-2 run, but Illinois responded with a 9-0 run to cut the lead to 12-11. The Hawkeyes held a 32-28 lead at halftime, led by 15 first-half points from senior Bennett Stirtz. Illinois took the lead early in the second half and held on for the 71-59 victory, outrebounding Iowa 38-21.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 29, 2026.
  • The game was delayed for approximately 15 minutes due to technical difficulties with the in-arena horn with eight minutes left in the first half.

The players

Bennett Stirtz

A senior on the Iowa men's basketball team who led the Hawkeyes with 24 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists in the game.

Tate Sage

A freshman on the Iowa men's basketball team who recorded 10 points and 3 rebounds in the game.

Illinois

The third-seeded Illinois men's basketball team that defeated Iowa 71-59 to advance to the Final Four.

University of Iowa

The ninth-seeded Iowa men's basketball team that reached the Elite Eight for the first time since 1987.

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The takeaway

Despite the disappointing loss, Iowa's performance this season has generated excitement and renewed hope for the program's future. The Hawkeyes exceeded expectations by reaching the Elite Eight, and with key players like Bennett Stirtz and Tate Sage returning, the team is poised to build on this success in the years to come.