Terrence Shannon Jr. led the charge with 29 points as Illinois secured their spot in the Elite Eight for the first time since 2005, edging past Iowa State 72-69 in a thrilling East Region semifinal showdown on Thursday night.
ILLINOIS TAKES DOWN IOWA STATE AND IS GOING TO THE ELITE EIGHT! 🏀 #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/PjqTQd3nOS
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) March 29, 2024
Shannon’s dominant performance saw him rack up 20 points in the first half, setting the tone for the third-seeded Illini (29-8) who maintained control of the game from start to finish.
With the victory, Illinois advances to the regional final for the fourth time in the past 40 years, where they will face defending champion UConn in a highly anticipated matchup on Saturday with a trip to the Final Four at stake.
Despite a valiant effort from Iowa State (29-8), spearheaded by Curtis Jones’s 26-point effort and Keshon Gilbert’s 14 points, the Cyclones fell short in their bid to advance further in the tournament.
Illinois, guided by seventh-year coach Brad Underwood, showcased their defensive prowess early on, frustrating Iowa State’s offense and limiting their scoring opportunities.
The Illini’s defensive strategy paid dividends as they forced turnovers and contested shots, holding the Cyclones to a mere 26 points at halftime.
Though Iowa State mounted a comeback effort in the second half, narrowing the deficit to just two points midway through, Illinois remained resilient, responding with timely baskets and clutch plays to maintain their lead.
As the final seconds ticked away, a pivotal dunk by Shannon and crucial free throws down the stretch sealed the victory for Illinois, sending them into the Elite Eight with their sights set on a deep tournament run.
With both teams delivering impressive performances throughout the contest, the stage is now set for an electrifying showdown between Illinois and UConn, marking their first-ever meeting in March Madness.
As anticipation builds for this highly anticipated clash, basketball fans can expect an enthralling battle between two powerhouse programs vying for a coveted spot in the Final Four.
