Overview
- Illinois and Arizona, which won Saturday, clinched trips to Indianapolis by beating Iowa 71-59 and Purdue 79-64.
- The Illini made their first Final Four since 2005, and the Wildcats returned for the first time since 2001.
- Illinois freshman Keaton Wagler led all scorers with 25 points, while Arizona’s Brayden Burries, Ivan Kharchenkov and Koa Peat combined for 52.
- Illinois’ surge has been sparked by defense, holding VCU and Houston to 55 points earlier in the tournament and keeping Iowa to seven made two-point shots.
- The remaining spots will come Sunday from Michigan vs. Tennessee and UConn vs. Duke, with the Final Four set for Lucas Oil Stadium next weekend.