HOUSTON (AP) – Freshman Keaton Wagler scored 25 points as Illinois defeated Iowa 71-59 in the South Region final, advancing to the Final Four for the first time since 2005. The Fighting Illini, despite never having won a national title, will face either Duke or UConn next weekend in Indianapolis.
Illinois, with a record of 28-8, dominated the frontcourt against Iowa, outrebounding them 38-21. David Mirkovic led the team with 12 rebounds.
Coach Brad Underwood’s focus on recruiting players from Eastern Europe paid off, with Croatian player Tomislav Ivisic standing out at 7-foot-1. Andrej Stojakovic, son of NBA All-Star Peja Stojakovic, scored 17 points for Illinois.
Bennett Stirtz scored 24 points for Iowa, who had a remarkable run under first-year coach Ben McCollum after upsetting top-seeded Florida in the second round. Stirtz previously played for McCollum at Northwest Missouri State, Drake, and now Iowa.
