Illinois knocks off No. 2 Houston, heading to Elite Eight
Illini are one step away from the Final Four.
HOUSTON – Facing KenPom’s No. 4-ranked defense, one that only gives up 62 points-per-game, Illinois simply had to want it more to come out victorious in an arena filled with Cougar red. It was clear that they did indeed want it more.
The Illini walked into Houston and fought for a 65-55 win in a physical, defensive battle. And beyond advancing to the Elite Eight for the second time in three years, the win was an act of revenge after Illinois’ 68-53 second-round loss to the Cougars back in 2022. DO IT FOR THE 2022 TEAM, WHO GOT ROBBED pic.
twitter. com/q6F8wmxLZr — HoodieSzn (@DrHoodieMaddog) March 26, 2026 No. 3 seed Illinois entered Thursday night’s matchup against No.
2 seed Houston carrying a load of momentum after dominant wins over Penn and VCU in the first two rounds of March Madness. That momentum arrived at the perfect time, helping this Illinois squad get levelheaded with a trip to the Elite Eight on the line. And knowing that they’d face off against a Big Ten opponent with a win on Thursday, a Final Four appearance became increasingly realistic.
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