Published 6 days ago • loading... • Updated 6 days ago

Illinois Clamps Down on Houston for a 65-55 March Madness Win to Reach Elite Eight

On Thursday, March 26, 2026, the Illinois Fighting Illini defeated the Houston Cougars 65-55 in the Sweet 16, advancing to the NCAA Tournament's Elite Eight for the second time in three years.
Both teams engaged in a physical defensive battle throughout the first half, which ended with Illinois holding a narrow 24-22 lead, the lowest-scoring half of this year's NCAA Tournament.
Illinois controlled the game through rebounding, finishing with a 43-34 edge on the glass; freshman David Mirkovic led with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Keaton Wagler added 13 points and 12 rebounds.
The Illini advance to the South Region final to face fellow Big Ten member Iowa for a spot in the Final Four, having defeated the Hawkeyes 75-69 on January 11.
Iowa secured its Elite Eight berth with a 77-71 victory over Nebraska on Thursday, setting up the South Region final matchup where Illinois seeks to extend its tournament run.

Insights by Ground AI

38 Articles

How Brad Underwood's message and Keaton Wagler's response powered Illinois past Houston

Wagler's 12 rebounds flipped the game as Illinois outworked Houston on the glass, turning Underwood's emphasis into a Sweet 16 win.

6 days ago

Read Full Article

CBS Sports

Center

Illinois beats Houston on the glass as Brad Underwood's message fuels Keaton Wagler's big night

Illinois beat Houston in the Sweet 16 by winning the glass, with Keaton Wagler's 12 rebounds bringing Brad Underwood's message to life.

6 days ago·United States

Read Full Article

abc 13 Houston

Lean Left

'You just keep going': Sampson discusses coaching future after Houston's Sweet 16 loss

"We all have our time, but I think coaches have to understand when their time is," coach Kelvin Sampson said after the Coogs' 65-55 loss to No. 3 seed Illinois on Thursday.

6 days ago·Houston, United States

Read Full Article