GREENVILLE, S.C. — VCU’s Lazar Djokovic eyed an exhilarating dunk en route to cutting Illinois’ lead in the second half, but before he could ever get to it, Illinois’ Zvonimir Ivisic elevated at the last second, dancing through the air as he defiantly blocked to quell VCU’s momentum.
An exhilarating block.
As Illinois’ Kylan Boswell recovered the possession and directed traffic, an opportunity crystallized, a simple pass to the author of that block, leading to a vicious dunk to turn the tables.
A euphoric moment that seemingly flipped all the momentum back to Illinois’ side of the court, and the Illini never looked back, as they ultimately dominated VCU for a 76-55 win. A win that advances them to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 2024.
Soon after Big Z’s dunk, they all came in bunches.
Once again, Illinois dominated on the paint, outrebounding VCU 42-29.
That’ll do, Illinois, that’ll do.
Illinois’ defensive tenacity was on display almost the entire game. Once again, their opponents’ first opportunity at the foul line came late in the second half, this time with six minutes and change left on the clock rather than 10.
In some ways, the defensive possession that ended the first half against VCU was a contrast indicative of the difference in effort from Thursday’s game. Against Penn, the Quakers sank a three-pointer from long range. Against VCU, nothing was easy, and the Rams left without an emphatic puncture of Illinois’ momentum.
Stojakovic elevates in the first half
After Illinois’ poor attempt at leaning on three’s, it looked like it was time to lean on what Illinois can do against a smaller team: impose its will in the paint. Andrej Stojakovic became the focal point of Illinois’ offense.
Illinois was able to count
Two early fouls on David Mirkovic would limit his usage on Saturday night. The depth on this team would need to come alive. At least until Mirkovic and Wagler got hot again.
Ivisic ended the night with only two points, three assists, but of course, one deadly dunk. Andrej Stojakovic ended the night with 21 points, four rebounds, and an assist through 26 minutes off the bench.
Heating up (again)
Mirkovic was the headline on Thursday night. This time, it was Stojakovic’s first half that turned heads, but after an uninspiring first half, Keaton Wagler emerged from his cocoon.
Of course, the All-American Freshman, Wagler, went on a tear in the second half, finishing the game with 14 points, adding two crucial second-half three’s paired with two assists and five rebounds.
Up Next
Illinois will face Houston in the Sweet Sixteen on Thursday. As an added challenge, Illinois will play in Houston. It’s worth noting, however, that Illinois ended its season 8-2 on the road and just completed a stellar week in S.C.