David Mirkovic leads Illinois past Houston in Sweet 16 showdown
AP News • • sports
Key Points:
- Illinois defeated Houston 65-55 in the South Region semifinals of the NCAA Tournament, with David Mirkovic leading the Illini with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
- Illinois will face ninth-seeded Iowa in the Elite Eight to determine which Big Ten team advances to the Final Four, marking Illinois' 11th Elite Eight appearance and second in three seasons under coach Brad Underwood.
- Houston struggled offensively, shooting just 34%, their lowest scoring game of the season, with key players Kingston Flemings and Milos Uzan underperforming.
- Illinois' strong defense, sustained mental focus, and effective rebounding, particularly from guards like Keaton Wagler, were crucial in building a decisive 17-0 run in the second half.
- Houston coach Kelvin Sampson acknowledged his team's effort but admitted they did not play well enough to advance, while Illinois fans celebrated the victory despite playing in Houston.
