How Illinois Beat Iowa: Five Game-Defining Stats From Their Elite Eight Win

Although the final score on Saturday indicated a 12-point advantage in Illinois’ favor – a 71-59 win over Iowa – the Elite Eight clash was anything but a one-sided bout. The Hawkeyes controlled the majority of the game and hung around late after the Illini stole the lead. In the end, though, Illinois managed to escape Houston with its Final Four itinerary intact. Here’s how the Illini did it – broken down by the numbers:

5 stats that defined Illinois’ Elite Eight win over Iowa

Mar 28, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes guard Bennett Stirtz (14) controls the ball against Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) in the second half during an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Iowa’s made two-point field goals in the second half: one

Illinois’ defense through three games in the NCAA Tournament: stifling – in every sense of the word. But in the first 20 minutes against Iowa on Saturday evening, it was hardly impressive (even if the Hawkeyes were hitting some tough shots).

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In the second half, though, Illinois rediscovered its March Madness defensive form, absolutely suffocating Iowa, yielding just one made two-pointer in the final 20 minutes. The Hawkeyes had to rely on high-difficulty threes and free throws – which, ultimately, proved to not be enough.

Keaton Wagler’s points: 25

Mar 28, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) controls the ball against Iowa Hawkeyes guard Kael Combs (11) in the second half during an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images | Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Freshmen guards don’t typically deliver success in March – but Keaton Wagler isn’t just any freshman guard. He’s one of a kind – and he showcased that in the Elite Eight.

Wagler connected on two of the Illini’s three total…

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Publish date : 2026-03-29 04:29:00

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