An Elite TKO: Illini Win Houston in Physical Bully Fight

Illinois took Houston’s reputation as a physical bully and turned it against the 2-seed Cougars in their hometown to pull off a satisfying Sweet 16 victory.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Staff Writer

March 27, 2026

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

HOUSTON — Since arriving in Houston this week, seemingly everybody on the Illinois roster had been describing this regional semifinal matchup as a fight.

After 40 minutes of what seemed like every form of physical contact, the Illini won on all scorecards in form of a what manifested itself in a dominating 65-55 victory. Whether it was about . . .

 

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