Illinois fans are thinking national title after dominating win over Iowa appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
March Madness welcomed its first entry into the 2026 Final Four Saturday. Illinois basketball claimed the clash of Big Ten powers with dominating Iowa 71-59.
It’s now the Illini’s first round of four appearance since 2005. And got fans in Champaign and the state thinking national title.
ILLINOIS IS Final Four BOUND FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2005 🔥pic.twitter.com/dUYeFNd4k0
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 29, 2026
Head coach Brad Underwood is now the latest to take Illinois past the Elite Eight.
“This group is special…Couldn’t be more proud,” he told CBS Sports’ Lauren Shehadi postgame.
“This group is special… Couldn’t be more proud.” 🥹
Brad Underwood is overcome with joy after @IlliniMBB‘s win to advance to the #MFinalFour 🗣️#MarchMadnesspic.twitter.com/C2JLA2wq6M
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 29, 2026
Illinois players made sure to slap its name onto the round of four bracket after beating the Hawkeyes by 12 in the United Center at Chicago.
SLAP IT ON pic.twitter.com/FcwpjXFsAr
— Illinois Men’s Basketball (@IlliniMBB) March 29, 2026
Again, fans from Illinois couldn’t help but praise the Illini’s win…including the Chicago Bears.
LET’S GOOOOOO
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) March 29, 2026
Related: Why Brad Underwood, Illinois is ‘livin the dream’ after win over Iowa
Related: Iowa’s Cinderella run ends in bittersweet Elite 8 disappointment