HOUSTON, Texas – The University of Iowa men’s basketball team saw its remarkable tournament run come to an complete Saturday night, falling to third-seeded Illinois 71-59 in the Elite Eight at the Honda Center. The ninth-seeded Hawkeyes finished the season with a 24-13 record, achieving their best NCAA Tournament result since a similar Elite Eight appearance in 1987. Although the loss stings, the 2023-24 season marked a significant step forward for the program under coach Fran McCaffery, fueled by a late-season surge and a series of upset victories.
Iowa started with a blistering pace, opening the game on a 12-2 run, showcasing sharp shooting from the field and beyond the arc. However, Illinois responded with a 9-0 run of their own, quickly closing the gap and signaling their intent to battle back. The first half saw a back-and-forth rhythm, punctuated by an unusual 15-minute delay due to technical difficulties with the arena’s horn with approximately eight minutes remaining. Following the pause, Iowa regained momentum, extending their lead before heading into halftime with a 32-28 advantage. A key factor in the Hawkeyes’ first-half success was their efficient shooting, connecting on 12 of 21 field goal attempts (57.1%) and 6 of 12 three-pointers (50%).
Stirtz Shines, But Second-Half Struggles Prove Decisive
Senior guard Bennett Stirtz led all scorers with 24 points, delivering a particularly strong performance in the first half with 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting. He added three rebounds and three assists, proving a consistent offensive threat for Iowa. Freshman Tate Sage also contributed with 10 points, continuing a recent trend of increased scoring production. However, the second half proved to be a different story. Illinois came out firing, opening with a 5-0 run to take their first lead of the game.
The second half was a seesaw battle, with 13 lead changes and seven ties. Iowa managed to stay within striking distance for much of the period, even regaining a 51-50 edge at the 10-minute mark. But a decisive 8-0 run by Illinois shifted the momentum, creating a seven-point cushion that Iowa couldn’t overcome. Iowa struggled to find consistent offense during a critical stretch, shooting just 1-of-7 from the field as Illinois pulled away. Despite a late push fueled by four consecutive points from Sage, Illinois closed the game on an 8-0 run, sealing their victory.
Rebounding Disparity and Shooting Woes Hamper Hawkeyes
A significant factor in Iowa’s defeat was the rebounding battle. Illinois dominated the boards, outrebounding the Hawkeyes 38-21. This allowed Illinois to generate second-chance opportunities and limit Iowa’s offensive possessions. Iowa’s shooting also cooled considerably in the second half, finishing the game at 18-of-47 (38.3%) from the field and 11-of-30 (36.7%) from three-point range. While the Hawkeyes were efficient from the free-throw line, converting 12 of 14 attempts (85.7%), it wasn’t enough to offset their struggles from the field.
Key Stats and Individual Performances
Beyond Stirtz’s 24 points, Tate Sage’s 10 points off the bench provided a spark for Iowa. Illinois was led by Terrence Shannon Jr., who scored 29 points. The Fighting Illini shot 27-of-55 (49.1%) from the field and 8-of-18 (44.4%) from beyond the arc. A detailed box score is available on ESPN here.
Looking Ahead for Iowa Basketball
The loss marks the end of a memorable season for the Hawkeyes. While the Elite Eight run concludes, the program has demonstrated significant growth and potential. The team will now turn its attention to the offseason, with a focus on player development and recruiting. The Hawkeyes will need to address their rebounding deficiencies and improve their consistency on offense to take the next step in future NCAA Tournament runs. The University of Iowa Athletics Department has not yet announced details regarding spring practices or upcoming recruiting events, but information will be posted on their official website here as it becomes available.
This season’s success, and the experience gained in the NCAA Tournament, provides a valuable foundation for the future of Iowa men’s basketball. The Hawkeyes have proven they can compete with the nation’s best, and fans will be eager to see what the program can achieve in the years to come.
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