Illini Grind Out Win, Face Iowa in Elite Eight

0:00On March 27, the number 3 seeded Illinois men's basketball team finally broke through with a gritty 65-55 win over number 2. Seed Houston in the sweet 16 at the Toyota Center. This victory sends the Elinai to their second Elite 8 in 3 years, marking their best defense of showing of the season as they held the Cougars to just 34% shooting overall. Houston managed only 22 points in the first half, trailing by just 2 at the break before Illinois Unleashed a 220-2 run early in the band, second to build an 18-point lead. David Merkovich led with 14 points and 10 rebounds while freshman Keaton Wagler battled through physical play for 13 points and a season high 14 boards. Fans have been waiting for this kind of all-out effort from the Elini who mashed Houston's aggressive style rebound for rebound and body for body. It was a relief after some uneven regular season games proving they can grind out wins

1:01even when their offense isn't firing on all cylinders. Wagler's toughness stood out, shrugging off rough treatment to grab key rebounds and blocks, a sign he's ready for deeper tournament runs. The Elini's defense chose to show a big against one of the nation's toughest units. Now the Elini face Iowa in the Elite 8 on Saturday at 5.09pm, central time on TBS and True TV. After beating the Hawkeyes by 6 back in January, they'll need every bit of that Houston intensity since Iowa has leveled up with sharpshooters like Bennett Sturts.