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Illinois powers its way to its first Final Four in 21 years, beating Iowa 71-59

  • Mar 28, 2026
  • Mar 28, 2026 Updated 12 hrs ago
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Illinois powers its way to its first Final Four in 21 years, beating Iowa 71-59

Illinois powers its way to its first Final Four in 21 years, beating Iowa 71-59

Freshman Keaton Wagler scored 25 points and Illinois ended Iowa’s underdog March Madness run by dominating in the frontcourt, beating the Hawkeyes 71-59 to advance to the Final Four for the first time since 2005. This will be the sixth trip to the Final Four for Illinois, which has never won a national title. The Fighting Illinio will face either Duke or UConn next weekend in Indianapolis. The much taller Illini outrebounded Iowa 38-21 in the South Region final. David Mirkovic led the way with 12 rebounds. Wagler was named MVP of the region. Bennett Stirtz scored 24 points for the Hawkeyes, who made an impressive run under first-year coach Ben McCollum.

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FBI seeks additional victims after Springfield church official child pornography arrest

FBI seeks additional victims after Springfield church official child pornography arrest

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PHOTOS: Illini fans, players celebrate after Illinois' historic Elite Eight win

PHOTOS: Illini fans, players celebrate after Illinois' historic Elite Eight win

  • Updated 12 hrs ago
Alcohol sales restricted in Champaign ahead of Illini Elite Eight game

Alcohol sales restricted in Champaign ahead of Illini Elite Eight game

  • Updated 14 hrs ago
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