Bennett Stirtz stats today: Iowa senior gets red hot in Elite Eight game vs. Illinois

In the Iowa Hawkeyes’ biggest game of the season, their leading scorer was at his best.

Bennett Stirtz couldn’t miss in the first half vs. Illinois in Saturday’s Elite Eight matchup, lighting it up from deep to give his team an early advantage.

Iowa opened the game on a 12-2 run, and Stirtz continued to pour it on with a trip to the Final Four on the line.

Here’s a look at Stirtz’s hot start vs. Illinois in the Elite Eight. 

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Bennett Stirtz stats today

• Points: 15
• Rebounds: 2
• Assists: 2
• Steals: 0
• Blocks: 0
• FG: 6-9
• 3PT: 3-6
• FT: 0-0

In the first half alone, Stirtz was already approaching his season-long average of 19.7 points per game, also putting up nearly half of Iowa's points in the first half.

He put up 15 points before halftime, including six-of-nine shooting from the floor and three 3-pointers.

Bennett Stirtz from distance 🎯#MarchMadness @IowaHoops pic.twitter.com/tj1ZFR07f0

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 28, 2026

He and Illinois star Keaton Wagler were virtually going shot-for-shot, with Wagler also totaling 11 points in the first half.

Perhaps the best indication of the night Stirtz was having was a late-shot-clock heave he downed with ease.

Stirtz hits a wild triple 🤯#MarchMadness @IowaHoops pic.twitter.com/GVPWTKmU2a

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 28, 2026

Iowa took an advantage into halftime, looking to reach its first Final Four since 1980.

That's a quick 🔟 for Stirtz 🙌#MarchMadness @IowaHoops pic.twitter.com/L9fDBA9xrQ

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 28, 2026