The long wait is finally over for the Illinois Fighting Illini men’s basketball. Behind a dominant frontcourt effort and a sensational night from freshman Keaton Wagler, third-seeded Illinois defeated the ninth-seeded Iowa Hawkeyes men’s basketball 71–59 in the South Region Elite Eight on Saturday, punching its ticket to the Final Four for the first time since 2005—and the sixth time in program history.
And while the celebration was loud and emotional, standout guard Andrej Stojakovic made one thing clear afterward: Illinois isn’t finished yet.
Freshman Keaton Wagler delivered the biggest performance of his young career when it mattered most, scoring 25 points to power the Illini past a surging Iowa squad that had captured national attention during its underdog March Madness run.
Wagler’s composure down the stretch helped seal the victory, especially after Iowa trimmed the deficit late in the game. With the Hawkeyes threatening, Wagler calmly knocked down two clutch free throws to stretch the lead back to eight and effectively secure Illinois’ place in Indianapolis.
His parents—who met while playing junior-college basketball in Kansas—cheered proudly from the stands throughout the night.
Andrej Stojakovic added 17 points in a poised all-around effort that reflected his growing leadership during Illinois’ tournament surge. Born in Greece and the son of Serbian three-time NBA All-Star Peja Stojakovic, Andrej delivered a performance worthy of the moment—and the family legacy watching courtside.
His late layup during Iowa’s final push helped halt the Hawkeyes’ momentum and restore control for the Illini in the closing minutes.
Illinois’ size advantage proved decisive. Head coach Brad Underwood’s emphasis on recruiting Eastern European talent paid off again as 7-foot-1 Tomislav Ivisic and his 7-foot-2 twin brother Zvonimir controlled the interior. The Illini outrebounded Iowa 38–21 and overwhelmed them inside, outscoring the Hawkeyes 40–12 in the paint.
David Mirkovic led the rebounding effort with 12 boards, while Tomislav Ivisic sparked a critical 8–0 Illinois run midway through the second half that shifted the game permanently in the Illini’s favor.
Moments later, Zvonimir Ivisic electrified the arena with a soaring alley-oop dunk that extended the lead to eight with just over four minutes remaining—one of the night’s defining highlights.
Despite the loss, Iowa’s tournament journey was one of the most compelling stories of March. Bennett Stirtz scored 24 points to lead the Hawkeyes, who had stunned top-seeded Florida earlier in the tournament as part of a remarkable postseason surge under first-year head coach Ben McCollum. Stirtz’s path with McCollum—from Northwest Missouri State to Drake and finally Iowa—symbolized the trust and continuity behind the Hawkeyes’ breakout season.
Late free throws from Sage Tate briefly brought Iowa within four points with two minutes remaining, but Illinois answered immediately and never allowed the upset bid to regain traction.
Illinois trailed for most of the first half and did not take its first lead until shortly after halftime. The contest featured 12 lead changes early before the Illini’s size and physicality began to wear Iowa down. Once Illinois seized control midway through the second half, the outcome gradually shifted from tense battle to statement victory.
Now 28–8, Illinois advances to Indianapolis with momentum, confidence, and championship ambitions.
The Illini will face either Duke or UConn next weekend with a chance to reach the national championship game for the first time since their memorable 2005 run. Despite six Final Four appearances, Illinois is still chasing its first national title—a goal that suddenly feels within reach.
If Saturday night proved anything, it’s that this Illini team isn’t satisfied with ending a drought. They’re aiming to make history.
