blog posts Illini Close Strong, Earn Spot in Elite Eight With Gritty Win Over Iowa State Mar 29, 2024 8:30 am by U. of I. AthleticsAthletics Share on Facebook Tweet Email Images Never trailing in the contest, third-seeded Illinois battled to a 72-69 win over No. 2 seed Iowa State in the Sweet 16 on Thursday night at TD Garden to secure a spot in the Elite Eight for the first time since 2005. Share on Facebook Tweet Email