Elite 8 winners, losers: UConn comeback, droughts finish, Duke chokes once more

[ad_1] We've got our Closing 4.

After 4 rounds, 64 groups have been despatched house and 4 stay within the hunt for a nationwide championship. Connecticut, Arizona, Michigan and Illinois are en path to Indianapolis, two wins away from profitable all of it.

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A few of the representatives aren’t a lot of a shock, because the top-seeded Wildcats and Wolverines have appeared like a tier above the remainder of the game, and something lower than a Closing 4 look would have been a disappointment. The Huskies surprised its away again to a well-known place, and Illinois is not actually a shocker and are removed from an underdog after a really profitable season, proving worthy of its spot.

Closing 4 predictions: Who will advance to 2026 Nationwide Championship?

IN-DEPTH: How Arizona gamers' halftime discuss ended 25 years of March Insanity heartbreak

The outcomes of the weekend not solely impacted the championship race, however the sport as a complete. Listed here are the winners and losers of the Elite Eight:

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Winners UConn’s comeback <img alt="UConn Huskies guard Braylon Mullins (24) celebrates after making the game-winning three-point basket against the Duke Blue Devils in the second half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena." loading="lazy" width="960" height="650" decoding="async" data-nimg="1" class="standard-img" style="color:transparent" src="https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/mzw3jQY5tfYz8xow6qib5g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY1MDtjZj13ZWJw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_sports_articles_558/75b7642aaa3feff20f8b6a1da511f3fc"/> UConn Huskies guard Braylon Mullins (24) celebrates after making the game-winning three-point basket in opposition to the Duke Blue Devils within the second half throughout an Elite Eight recreation of the East Regional of the lads's 2026 NCAA Event at Capital One Area.

A return to the Closing 4 didn’t appear attainable when Connecticut was down 19 factors late within the first half in opposition to Duke, however did the Huskies reply.

UConn clawed again within the second half, slowly chipping away on the lead earlier than a 7-0 run put it in hanging distance with below 4 minutes left. The Blue Devils couldn’t cease the momentum and Connecticut pulled out a stunning victory, punctuated by Braylon Mullins’ 3-pointer on the remaining second. UConn outscored Duke 44-28 within the remaining 20 minutes for its third journey to the Closing 4 in 4 seasons.

It was one of many largest comebacks in NCAA Event historical past, and UConn made Duke the primary No. 1 seed to lose a recreation after being up by no less than 15 factors at halftime in an ending for the ages.

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Massive Ten The Massive Ten rolls onto the largest stage with the convention getting two groups into the Closing 4 with Michigan and Illinois. It’s the primary time the convention has achieved the feat since 2015 and fourth time since 1999.

The event has been a Massive Ten showcase after seven of its 9 groups received their first spherical recreation. It put a report 4 groups within the Elite Eight, and was assured to get no less than one Closing 4 staff with the Illinois-Iowa winner, and will’ve had as much as three, however two remains to be a really profitable outcome.

It’s been the winner of each spherical to date. Now all that’s left is ending it on prime with a 50% shot at a nationwide championship, the primary since 2000. It could possibly be sealed with an all-Massive Ten title recreation, very a lot attainable.

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See the perfect images of Arizona basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Arizona Wildcats ahead Ivan Kharchenkov (8) reacts within the first half in opposition to the LIU Sharks throughout a primary spherical recreation of the lads's 2026 NCAA Event at Viejas Area.

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See the perfect images of Arizona basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Arizona Wildcats ahead Ivan Kharchenkov (8) reacts within the first half in opposition to the LIU Sharks throughout a primary spherical recreation of the lads's 2026 NCAA Event at Viejas Area.

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See the perfect images of Arizona basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Arizona Wildcats middle Motiejus Krivas (13) and guard Brayden Burries (5) and ahead Tobe Awaka (30) react with the bench within the second half in opposition to the LIU Sharks throughout a primary spherical recreation of the lads's 2026 NCAA Event at Viejas Area.

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See the perfect images of Arizona basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Arizona Wildcats ahead Tobe Awaka (30) dunks in opposition to the Lengthy Island College Sharks throughout a primary spherical recreation of the lads's 2026 NCAA Event at Viejas Area.

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See the perfect images of Arizona basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Brayden Burries #5 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts throughout the first half in opposition to the Lengthy Island College Sharks within the first spherical of the 2026 NCAA Males's Basketball Event at Viejas Area at San Diego State College on March 20, 2026 in San Diego, California.

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See the perfect images of Arizona basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Shadrak Lasu #22 of the Lengthy Island College Sharks defends in opposition to Motiejus Krivas #13 of the Arizona Wildcats throughout the second half within the first spherical of the 2026 NCAA Males's Basketball Event at Viejas Area at San Diego State College on March 20, 2026 in San Diego, California.

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See the perfect images of Arizona basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Koa Peat #10 of the Arizona Wildcats shoots the ball in opposition to Mason Porter-Brown #6 of the Lengthy Island College Sharks throughout the second half within the first spherical of the 2026 NCAA Males's Basketball Event at Viejas Area at San Diego State College on March 20, 2026 in San Diego, California.

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See the perfect images of Arizona basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Ivan Kharchenkov #8 of the Arizona Wildcats rebounds the ball in entrance of teammates Koa Peat #10 and Tobe Awaka #30 throughout the first half in opposition to the Utah State Aggies within the second spherical of the 2026 NCAA Males's Basketball Event at Viejas Area at San Diego State College on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.

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See the perfect images of Arizona basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Koa Peat #10 of the Arizona Wildcats speaks with teammates throughout the first half in opposition to the Utah State Aggies within the second spherical of the 2026 NCAA Males's Basketball Event at Viejas Area at San Diego State College on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.

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See the perfect images of Arizona basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Ivan Kharchenkov #8 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts throughout the second half in opposition to the Utah State Aggies within the second spherical of the 2026 NCAA Males's Basketball Event at Viejas Area at San Diego State College on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.

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See the perfect images of Arizona basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Arizona Wildcats ahead Ivan Kharchenkov (8) shoots in opposition to the Utah State Aggies within the second half throughout a second spherical recreation of the lads's 2026 NCAA Event at Viejas Area.

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See the perfect images of Arizona basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Arizona Wildcats ahead Koa Peat (10) celebrates with guard Brayden Burries (5) after defeating the Utah State Aggies throughout a second spherical recreation of the lads's 2026 NCAA Event at Viejas Area.

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See the perfect images of Arizona basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) celebrates after defeating the Utah State Aggies throughout a second spherical recreation of the lads's 2026 NCAA Event at Viejas Area.

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See the perfect images of Arizona basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Koa Peat #10 of the Arizona Wildcats dunks the ball in opposition to the Arkansas Razorbacks throughout the second half within the Candy Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Males's Basketball Event at SAP Middle on March 26, 2026 in San Jose, California.

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See the perfect images of Arizona basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Motiejus Krivas #13 of the Arizona Wildcats dunks the ball in opposition to the Arkansas Razorbacks throughout the second half within the Candy Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Males's Basketball Event at SAP Middle on March 26, 2026 in San Jose, California.

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See the perfect images of Arizona basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Head coach Tommy Lloyd of the Arizona Wildcats reacts after the sport in opposition to the Arkansas Razorbacks within the Candy Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Males's Basketball Event at SAP Middle on March 26, 2026 in San Jose, California.

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See the perfect images of Arizona basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats ahead Koa Peat (10) dunks the ball in opposition to the Arkansas Razorbacks within the first half throughout a Candy Sixteen recreation of the West Regional of the lads's 2026 NCAA Event at SAP Middle. Obligatory Credit score: Kyle Terada-Imagn Photographs

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See the perfect images of Arizona basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) reaches for a free ball in opposition to the Arkansas Razorbacks within the first half throughout a Candy Sixteen recreation of the West Regional of the lads's 2026 NCAA Event at SAP Middle.

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See the perfect images of Arizona basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Arizona Wildcats guard Jaden Bradley (0) high-fives Arizona Wildcats ahead Koa Peat (10) in opposition to the Arkansas Razorbacks within the second half throughout a Candy Sixteen recreation of the West Regional of the lads's 2026 NCAA Event at SAP Middle.

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See the perfect images of Arizona basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) celebrates after a play in opposition to the Arkansas Razorbacks within the second half throughout a Candy Sixteen recreation of the West Regional of the lads's 2026 NCAA Event at SAP Middle.

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See the perfect images of Arizona basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Arizona Wildcats ahead Koa Peat (10) dunks the ball in opposition to the Arkansas Razorbacks within the second half throughout a Candy Sixteen recreation of the West Regional of the lads's 2026 NCAA Event at SAP Middle.

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See the perfect images of Arizona basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Arizona Wildcats ahead Koa Peat (10) reacts after a pay in opposition to the Arkansas Razorbacks within the second half throughout a Candy Sixteen recreation of the West Regional of the lads's 2026 NCAA Event at SAP Middle.

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See the perfect images of Arizona basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Anthony Dell'orso #3 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts after taking pictures a 3 level basket in opposition to the Purdue Boilermakers throughout the second half of a recreation within the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Males's Basketball Event at SAP Middle on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.

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See the perfect images of Arizona basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Jaden Bradley #0 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts throughout the second half of a recreation in opposition to the Purdue Boilermakers within the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Males's Basketball Event at SAP Middle on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.

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See the perfect images of Arizona basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Ivan Kharchenkov #8 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts throughout the second half of a recreation in opposition to the Purdue Boilermakers within the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Males's Basketball Event at SAP Middle on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.

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See the perfect images of Arizona basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Ivan Kharchenkov #8 of the Arizona Wildcats seems on throughout the second half of a recreation in opposition to the Purdue Boilermakers within the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Males's Basketball Event at SAP Middle on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.

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See the perfect images of Arizona basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Bryce James #6, Koa Peat #10 and Brayden Burries #5 of the Arizona Wildcats have a good time after defeating the Purdue Boilermakers 79-64 within the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Males's Basketball Event at SAP Middle on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.

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See the perfect images of Arizona basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Brayden Burries #5 and Motiejus Krivas #13 of the Arizona Wildcats have a good time after defeating the defeating the Purdue Boilermakers 79-64 within the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Males's Basketball Event at SAP Middle on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.

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See the perfect images of Arizona basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Ivan Kharchenkov #8 of the Arizona Wildcats cuts down the online after defeating the Purdue Boilermakers 79-64 within the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Males's Basketball Event at SAP Middle on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.

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See the perfect images of Arizona basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Jaden Bradley #0 of the Arizona Wildcats cuts down the online afterdefeating the Purdue Boilermakers 79-64 within the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Males's Basketball Event at SAP Middle on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.

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See the perfect images of Arizona basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Head coach Tommy Lloyd of the Arizona Wildcats cuts down the online after defeating the Purdue Boilermakers 79-64 within the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Males's Basketball Event at SAP Middle on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.

Breaking droughts The 2026 Closing 4 is greater than twenty years within the making for Arizona and Illinois, getting again to the ultimate stage after falling quick so many occasions.

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Arizona is within the Closing 4 for the primary time since 2001, a reduction on the shoulders of the Wildcats after dropping all of its previous 5 Elite Eight appearances. They did it in emphatic style with a significant second half comeback over Purdue to cruise towards a stress-free end in opposition to the Boilermakers. Illinois was in a position to put away the shock run in opposition to Iowa to achieve the semifinals for the primary time since 2005, the final time it was near profitable its first nationwide title.

Two profitable applications redeemed years of frustrations, and never solely have they lastly damaged by, however they're viable nationwide championship contenders, with Arizona on the verge of its second title and Illinois on the cusp of its largest accomplishment but.

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See the perfect images of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Illinois Combating Illini middle Zvonimir Ivisic (44) dunks the ball in opposition to the Penn Quakers within the second half of a primary spherical recreation of the lads's 2026 NCAA Event at Bon Secours Wellness Area.

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See the perfect images of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Illinois Combating Illini middle Zvonimir Ivisic (44) dunks the ball in opposition to the Penn Quakers within the second half of a primary spherical recreation of the lads's 2026 NCAA Event at Bon Secours Wellness Area.

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See the perfect images of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Illinois Combating Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) celebrates after scoring Thursday, March 19, 2026, throughout the NCAA Menâ€™s Basketball Event first spherical recreation in opposition to the Penn Quakers at Bon Secours Wellness Area in Greenville, South Carolina.

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See the perfect images of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Illinois Combating Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) is defended by Penn Quakers guard AJ Levine (0) Thursday, March 19, 2026, throughout the NCAA Menâ€™s Basketball Event first spherical recreation at Bon Secours Wellness Area in Greenville, South Carolina.

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See the perfect images of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Penn Quakers guard Michael Zanoni (7) and Penn Quakers guard AJ Levine (0) defend Illinois Combating Illini middle Tomislav Ivisic (13) Thursday, March 19, 2026, throughout the NCAA Menâ€™s Basketball Event first spherical recreation at Bon Secours Wellness Area in Greenville, South Carolina. Illinois Combating Illini received 105-70.

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See the perfect images of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Kylan Boswell #4 of the Illinois Combating Illini reacts with teammates after a basket and a foul throughout the second half in opposition to the Penn Quakers within the first spherical of the 2026 NCAA Males's Basketball Event at Bon Secours Wellness Area on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, South Carolina.

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See the perfect images of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Ben Humrichous #3 of the Illinois Combating Illini reacts after making a 3-pointer throughout the first half in opposition to the Penn Quakers within the first spherical of the 2026 NCAA Males's Basketball Event at Bon Secours Wellness Area on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, South Carolina.

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See the perfect images of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Keaton Wagler #23 of the Illinois Combating Illini drives the ball in opposition to Cam Thrower #5 of the Penn Quakers throughout the first half within the first spherical of the 2026 NCAA Males's Basketball Event at Bon Secours Wellness Area on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, South Carolina.

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See the perfect images of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 The Illinois Combating Illini middle Tomislav Ivisic (13) reacts after a play throughout the second half in opposition to the VCU Rams throughout a second spherical recreation of the lads's 2026 NCAA Event at Bon Secours Wellness Area.

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See the perfect images of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Illinois Combating Illini celebrates after a play throughout the second half in opposition to the VCU Rams throughout a second spherical recreation of the lads's 2026 NCAA Event at Bon Secours Wellness Area.

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See the perfect images of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Illinois Combating Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) dunks the ball throughout the second half in opposition to the VCU Rams throughout a second spherical recreation of the lads's 2026 NCAA Event at Bon Secours Wellness Area.

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See the perfect images of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Illinois Combating Illini ahead David Mirkovic (0) celebrates after scoring Saturday, March 21, 2026, throughout the NCAA Menâ€™s Basketball Event second spherical recreation in opposition to the VCU Rams at Bon Secours Wellness Area in Greenville, South Carolina.

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See the perfect images of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Followers cheer Saturday, March 21, 2026, throughout the NCAA Menâ€™s Basketball Event second spherical recreation between the Illinois Combating Illini and the VCU Rams at Bon Secours Wellness Area in Greenville, South Carolina.

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See the perfect images of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Illinois Combating Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) shakes palms with VCU Rams guard Nyk Lewis (1) March 21, 2026 after the NCAA Menâ€™s Basketball Event second spherical recreation on the Bon Secours Wellness Area in Greenville, South Carolina.

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See the perfect images of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Illinois Combating Illini middle Zvonimir Ivisic (44) reacts after teammate Illinois Combating Illini ahead David Mirkovic (0) scored March 21, 2026 throughout the second half of the NCAA Menâ€™s Basketball Event second spherical recreation with VCU Rams on the Bon Secours Wellness Area in Greenville, South Carolina.

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See the perfect images of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Illinois Combating Illini middle Zvonimir Ivisic (44) dunks in opposition to VCU Rams March 21, 2026 throughout the second half of the NCAA Menâ€™s Basketball Event second spherical recreation on the Bon Secours Wellness Area in Greenville, South Carolina.

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See the perfect images of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Illinois Combating Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) scores close to VCU Rams ahead Michael Belle (8) March 21, 2026 throughout the first half of the NCAA Menâ€™s Basketball Event second spherical East Area recreation on the Bon Secours Wellness Area in Greenville, South Carolina.

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See the perfect images of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Illinois Combating Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) dunks the ball previous VCU Rams ahead Lazar Djokovic (17) Saturday, March 21, 2026, throughout the NCAA Menâ€™s Basketball Event second spherical recreation at Bon Secours Wellness Area in Greenville, South Carolina.

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See the perfect images of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Zvonimir Ivisic #44 of the Illinois Combating Illini celebrates in opposition to the Houston Cougars throughout the first half within the Candy Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Males's Basketball Event at Toyota Middle on March 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas.

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See the perfect images of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Illinois Combating Illini followers cheer in opposition to the Houston Cougars throughout the second half within the Candy Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Males's Basketball Event at Toyota Middle on March 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas.

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See the perfect images of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 David Mirkovic #0 of the Illinois Combating Illini seems for the rebound in opposition to the Houston Cougars within the Candy Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Males's Basketball Event at Toyota Middle on March 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas.

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See the perfect images of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Illinois Combating Illini middle Tomislav Ivisic (13) grabs a rebound in opposition to the Houston Cougars within the first half throughout a Candy Sixteen recreation of the South Regional of the lads's 2026 NCAA Event at Toyota Middle.

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See the perfect images of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Illinois Combating Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) shoots on Houston Cougars ahead Kalifa Sakho (14) within the first half throughout a Candy Sixteen recreation of the South Regional of the lads's 2026 NCAA Event at Toyota Middle.

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See the perfect images of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Illinois Combating Illini ahead David Mirkovic (0) reacts in opposition to the Houston Cougars within the second half throughout a Candy Sixteen recreation of the South Regional of the lads's 2026 NCAA Event at Toyota Middle.

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See the perfect images of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Andrej Stojakovic #2 and Keaton Wagler #23 of the Illinois Combating Illini have a good time after defeating the Houston Cougars within the Candy Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Males's Basketball Event at Toyota Middle on March 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas

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See the perfect images of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Kylan Boswell #4 and Keaton Wagler #23 of the Illinois Combating Illini have a good time after defeating the Houston Cougars within the Candy Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Males's Basketball Event at Toyota Middle on March 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas.

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See the perfect images of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Illinois Combating Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) shoots in opposition to Iowa Hawkeyes guard Tavion Banks (6) within the first half throughout an Elite Eight recreation of the South Regional of the lads's 2026 NCAA Event at Toyota Middle.

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See the perfect images of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 (L-R) Keaton Wagler #23, David Mirkovic #0 and Kylan Boswell #4 of the Illinois Combating Illini have a good time after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes within the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Males's Basketball Event at Toyota Middle on March 28, 2026 in Houston, Texas.

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See the perfect images of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Keaton Wagler #23 of the Illinois Combating Illini celebrates after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes within the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Males's Basketball Event at Toyota Middle on March 28, 2026 in Houston, Texas.

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See the perfect images of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Illinois Combating Illini middle Zvonimir Ivisic (44) and ahead Ben Humrichous (3) have a good time after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in an Elite Eight recreation of the South Regional of the lads's 2026 NCAA Event at Toyota Middle.

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See the perfect images of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Illinois Combating Illini ahead Jake Davis (15) reacts within the second half in opposition to the Iowa Hawkeyes throughout an Elite Eight recreation of the South Regional of the lads's 2026 NCAA Event at Toyota Middle.

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See the perfect images of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 (L-R) Keaton Wagler #23, Kylan Boswell #4 and David Mirkovic #0 of the Illinois Combating Illini have a good time after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes within the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Males's Basketball Event at Toyota Middle on March 28, 2026 in Houston, Texas.

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See the perfect images of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Illinois Combating Illini head coach Brad Underwood celebrates with the trophy on the rostrum after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in an Elite Eight recreation of the South Regional of the lads's 2026 NCAA Event at Toyota Middle.

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See the perfect images of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Illinois Combating Illini head coach Brad Underwood celebrates after chopping down the online after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in an Elite Eight recreation of the South Regional of the lads's 2026 NCAA Event at Toyota Middle.

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See the perfect images of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Closing 4 Illinois Combating Illini middle Tomislav Ivisic (13) cuts down the online after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in an Elite Eight recreation of the South Regional of the lads's 2026 NCAA Event at Toyota Middle.

Andrej Stojakovic Be careful dad, son can positively hoop, too. The son of Peja, Andrej Stojakovic got here up clutch for Illinois, a catalyst for his staff surviving and advancing.

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Iowa jumped out to a fast double-digit lead, however Stojakovic got here in and helped his staff recuperate rapidly and ultimately win. He made some clutch photographs on the finish and most significantly, defended Iowa star Bennett Stirtz down the stretch to stop any late heroics. Regardless that Keaton Wagler was the star with 25 factors, Stojakovic had 17 factors and his plus/minus of +19 was the perfect on the staff, proving how very important he was to his staff’s success.

The Elite Eight isn’t the one time Stojakovic has come up huge within the event, however Illinois might have been cooked if he wasn’t the sparkplug he was in opposition to the Hawkeyes. His presence retains his staff’s title hopes alive and nicely.

Losers Duke chokes It is one other gorgeous March loss for Duke. The highest total seed appeared destined for the Closing 4 after leaping to a 19-point lead in opposition to UConn within the first half.

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Then got here the second half.

The Blue Devils could not cease UConn from rallying on the finish, and had the sport in its palms within the remaining seconds, however a stunning turnover changed into a game-winning 3-pointer by the Huskies. UConn outscored Duke 15-5 within the remaining 5 minutes. Duke now could be the primary No. 1 seed in NCAA Event historical past to lose after main by no less than 15 factors at halftime, as they had been 134-0 in such situations. The 19-point blown lead is tied for the sixth largest within the event.

The stunning loss retains Duke away from profitable its first nationwide championship within the Jon Scheyer period, with the final title in 2015. Its the longest the Blue Devils have gone with no championship this century.

SEC March doesn’t imply extra within the SEC because the convention finishes with a dud to comply with its historic previous season.

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It was going to be exhausting to comply with up two groups within the Closing 4 en path to a nationwide champion, however the SEC didn’t get near replicating a few of that success. It solely bought one staff within the Elite Eight in Tennessee, and it bought blown out by Michigan. The SEC won't be represented within the semifinals for the primary time since 2023.

So as to add insult to harm, the convention didn't do nicely in opposition to its fellow Energy league within the Massive Ten. The SEC went 0-5 vs. Massive Ten groups within the event, which ended up getting two groups to the Closing 4. After a tremendous displaying in 2025, this one has been a forgettable month within the Southeast.

Decrease seeds Make method for the heavyweights. The 2026 Closing 4 will function two No. 1 seeds, a No. 2 and a No. 3 seed, one other season of no shock runs to the semifinals.

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Whereas it’s no shock when the favorites in the beginning of the event ended up making it to the ultimate weekend, it’s precisely what occurred final season once we had an all-No. 1 group. This marks back-to-back years the place the Closing 4 doesn’t function a staff seeded No. 4 or decrease, which hasn’t occurred since a three-year streak from 2007-09.

This 12 months’s event had upsets and a few magical runs, however none of them reached the ultimate stage. Are even actually stable groups going to have hassle profitable a area, and are true Cinderellas useless?

Tennessee One other Elite Eight, one other exit for Rocky High. The Volunteers are left looking out once more for his or her first Closing 4 after getting stopped on the doorstep.

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Tennessee’s optimism was rapidly worn out early in opposition to Michigan, resulting in a 33-point rout in one of many largest blowouts in Elite Eight historical past. Whereas the Vols don't have anything to be ashamed about given it was a great run as a No. 6 seed, it’s the third straight season the Vols had been eradicated within the regional remaining.

Rick Barnes has maintained profitable in Knoxville, however after developing quick so usually, will Tennessee ever recover from the hump?

This text initially appeared on USA TODAY: Elite 8 winners, losers: UConn, Massive 10, Duke headline March Insanity ups, downs

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