The red-hot Illini will make history on Thursday night as they prepare to break their Sweet 16 drought against the Iowa State Cyclones in Boston. It has been 19 years since Illinois last appeared at this stage of the NCAA tournament when the 2004-05 Illini battled their way into the national championship game.
The 2023-24 postseason has been fruitful for head coach Brad Underwood’s squad, having won the Big Ten tournament and showing no signs of slowing down in the NCAA tournament. Strong victories over No. 14 Morehead State and No. 11 Duquesne in the first two rounds have certainly shaken off any NCAA tournament nerves after years of early exits. However, Illinois will face its toughest test yet: a 29-7 Iowa State team that has also powered through its first two tests.
The Cyclones are coming off wins against the No. 15 South Dakota State Jackrabbits and the No. 7 Washington State Cougars. Boasting one of the strongest defenses in the tournament, the Illini’s offensive prowess will be put to the test in Boston.
“Now it’s on to a very good Iowa State team,” Underwood said. “Obviously the number one defense in college basketball. They do that for a reason. TJ (Otzelberger) has done just an outstanding job getting these guys to play so very hard. It’s very impressive as a coach. I watched their team and I know what they emphasize.”
“They’re led by two very, very good guards,” Underwood said. “Very athletic, and a team that obviously causes teams lots of problems scoring so we’ll have to be very good and excited for the opportunity.”
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A huge piece to solving the Cyclone’s defense will come in the form of fifth-year guard Terrence Shannon Jr., who has averaged 31.6 points in Illinois’ five postseason games in 2024. The Chicago native has looked sharp shooting the ball and explosive getting to the rim to draw fouls. Shannon has experience making it to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament though with Texas Tech in 2022, where the Red Raiders fell short against Duke. Thursday night will provide the guard with a last chance to make it past this stage.
Graduate student forward Marcus Domask is also coming into Thursday night’s matchup with momentum, having scored 22 points in the second round against Duquesne. Efficient 9-16 shooting will have fans hopeful for another strong showing, this time in the Illini’s biggest game of the season.
Illinois will tip off against Iowa State at 9:09 p.m. CT in Boston. The Illini will be looking to keep their historic NCAA tournament run alive as the hunt for a national championship continues on Thursday night.
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