The Iowa Hawkeyes are one win away from a return to the Final Four, a feat not accomplished since 1980. Facing a formidable challenge in the Illinois Fighting Illini, Iowa enters Saturday’s South Regional Final riding a wave of momentum fueled by a stunning run through the NCAA Tournament as a No. 9 seed. This improbable journey, marked by victories over higher-seeded opponents, has captivated fans and rewritten expectations for Ben McCollum’s squad in his first season at the helm.
Iowa’s path to the Elite Eight has been nothing short of remarkable. They dispatched No. 8 Clemson, stunned top-seeded Florida and then overcame a tough Nebraska team, showcasing a blend of offensive firepower and tenacious defense. The Hawkeyes’ ability to consistently knock down three-pointers – they hit a program-record 13 against Nebraska on March 26 – has been a key component of their success. This tournament run is particularly notable as Iowa is the lowest-seeded Big Ten team to ever reach this stage, according to NCAA records.
The success isn’t solely attributable to offensive prowess. Senior Bennett Stirtz has been a model of consistency, playing all 120 minutes across the three tournament games with just one turnover, while averaging 16.3 points, four rebounds, and 1.5 assists. Freshman Tate Sage is also emerging as a key contributor, posting career highs in both points (19) and rebounds (8) against Nebraska. Sage’s performance tied him with Joe Wieskamp (2019) and Guy Rucker (1997) for the most points scored by a Hawkeye freshman in an NCAA Tournament game.
McCollum’s Impact and Tournament History
Ben McCollum’s rapid ascent with the Hawkeyes is drawing national attention. He’s the only first-year head coach to guide his team to the Elite Eight this season, a feat last accomplished by Rodney Terry (Texas) and Jerome Tang (Kansas State) in 2023. A lifelong Hawkeye, McCollum was just six years ancient when Iowa last reached the Elite Eight in 1987, adding a personal layer to this historic run. His overall NCAA Tournament record stands at an impressive 39-8, including a remarkable 4-1 mark in Division I play, having previously led Drake to the second round in 2025. McCollum’s teams consistently outperform seeding expectations, winning all four of his Division I tournament games as the lower seed.
Iowa’s tournament experience, while not extensive across the current roster, is proving valuable. Several players have prior NCAA Tournament appearances, with Bennett Stirtz, Cam Manyawu, Isaia Howard, Kael Combs, Tavion Banks, Alvaro Folgueiras, Cooper Koch, Tate Sage, and Trevin Jirak combining for 36 games of experience. This collective knowledge, even in limited doses, is contributing to the Hawkeyes’ poise under pressure.
Facing a Familiar Foe: The Illinois Fighting Illini
Standing between Iowa and a Final Four berth is the Illinois Fighting Illini, a program with a rich basketball tradition. Saturday’s matchup marks the 173rd meeting between the two schools, with Illinois holding a 95-77 advantage in the all-time series. Still, recent history favors the Illini, who have won five straight and 10 of the last 11 games against Iowa. The Hawkeyes’ last victory came on February 4, 2023, an 81-79 thriller in Iowa City.
The series history underscores the competitive nature of this rivalry. While Illinois has dominated recently, Iowa’s tournament success suggests they are peaking at the right time. The Illini will undoubtedly present a significant challenge, but the Hawkeyes have already proven they are capable of overcoming adversity and upsetting higher-ranked opponents.
How to Watch and Listen
Fans can follow all the action on multiple platforms. The game will be televised on TBS/TruTv, with Kevin Harlan handling play-by-play alongside color commentators Robbie Hummel and Stan Van Gundy, and sideline reporting from Lauren Shehadi. For radio listeners, the game will be broadcast on the Hawkeye Radio Network, featuring Gary Dolphin (play-by-play) and Bobby Hansen (color), with a 60-minute pregame show. Nationally, the game can be heard on Westwood One, with Spero Dedes and Fran Frascilla calling the game.
Iowa’s quest for a Final Four appearance continues Saturday. The Hawkeyes will need to maintain their sharp shooting, continue to limit turnovers, and execute McCollum’s game plan effectively to overcome a strong Illinois team. The winner of this contest will advance to the Final Four, representing the South Region in the national semifinals. Updates on the game and the team’s progress will be available on the official Iowa Hawkeyes athletics website.
What do you believe Hawkeyes fans? Can Iowa pull off another upset and reach the Final Four? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below.
