BOSTON, Mass. – The University of Illinois’ men’s basketball team is one win away from the Final Four.
The Fighting Illini defeated Iowa State Thursday night in an NCAA East Region semifinal 72-69.
At the half, Illinois had a 36-26 lead, but the Cyclones twice cut the Illini’s lead to just two in the second half. Illinois wound up winning the game by just three points.
Illini guard Terrence Shannon Jr. was the game’s leading scorer with 29 points. Coleman Hawkins had 12 points.
According to 25 News, the Illini made 42-percent of their shots and Iowa State shot 40-percent from the floor.
The Illini, a second seed, will play the top team in the country in Saturday’s East Regional Final, taking on defending National Champion UConn.
Connecticut beat San Diego State in its regional semifinal Thursday night 82-52 in a rematch of last year’s NCAA title game.
The UConn Huskies are 34-3.
The Illini are 29-8.
Comments