Illinois Upsets Houston: March Madness 2024

This segment of the South Region’s Sweet 16 bracket will ensure a surprise qualifier for the Final Four. After the elimination of Florida at the hands of Iowa, the outgoing finalist Houston also sees every possibility disappear: no Indianapolis, nor Elite Eight. The Cougars were in fact overcome by Illinois with a clear 65-55. Houston held their own in the first half, but fell on a 20-4 run, a run the Fighting Illini have turned into a near-trademark this season. Keaton Wagler (13 points and 12 rebounds) and David Markovic (14 points and 10 rebounds) both finished with double doubles, while Andrej Stojakovic – son of former Kings star Peja Stojakovic – made a major contribution off the bench with 13 points. An evening that confirms the solidity of Illinois and marks one of the heaviest outings in Houston’s recent history during March Madness.