Iowa vs. Illinois live updates: Scores, analysis from men's March Madness 2026 Elite Eight game
CBS Sports • • general
Key Points:
- Iowa leads Illinois 32-28 at halftime in a tightly contested Elite Eight game marked by turnovers and a scoreboard malfunction causing an 11-minute delay.
- Bennett Stirtz is the standout player for Iowa with 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including three three-pointers, while both teams have struggled with ball control, each committing seven turnovers in the first half.
- Illinois has shown strength on the offensive glass and defensive efficiency, holding Iowa scoreless for over two minutes late in the half and missing nine of their last ten shots before halftime.
- The matchup is notable as a rare No. 3 vs. No. 9 seed Elite Eight game, with historical trends slightly favoring the lower seed, and features two Big Ten teams facing off in the Elite Eight for the first time since 2000.
- Iowa coach Ben McCollum has joined an elite group of Big Ten coaches to reach the Regional Final in his first year, with a significant contribution from former Drake players, including tournament standout Bennett Stirtz.
