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- Iowa vs. Illinois score
- Iowa vs. Illinois updates
- How to watch Iowa vs. Illinois
- March Madness schedule
Big Ten rivals will meet under the Texas moon for a spot in Final Four. It's a place neither side has been able to breach very often in their program histories.
No. 9 Iowa and No. 3 Illinois will lock horns in the opening match of the 2026 Elite Eight. Such a matchup could have been viewed as unfathomable weeks ago. Big Ten sides have struggled to keep up with their ACC and SEC counterparts in tournament play over the years, with only two teams — 2018 Michigan and 2024 Purdue — making it to the NCAA title game in the past decade.
The Hawkeyes and Fighting Illini found their rhythm in the Big Dance, however. The former struck lightning in their run, cutting down a trio of luminaries — including defending champion Florida — to secure a spot in the regional final. Iowa has already bested one conference foe in its tournament run. Could another positive result be in store for Ben McCollum's side?
Illinois has fared slightly better in recent campaigns, routinely placing inside the top-25 throughout Brad Underwood's nine-year tenure. Keaton Wagler leads a versatile side rounded off by a wide array of European talents. Wagler and Co. dispatched of tournament runner-ups Houston in the Sweet 16 to land a berth in Houston. The Illini will be buoyed by a 75-69 win over their yellow-clad foe during the regular season, although that result came in the friendly confines of their hometown Champlain.
The Sporting News is tracking live updates from Saturday's Elite Eight contest between Iowa and Illinois. Follow below for highlights, analysis and more from the South regional final.
STREAM: Watch Iowa vs. Illinois Elite 8 game with DIRECTV
Iowa vs. Illinois basketball score
MARCH MADNESS HQ: Live NCAA bracket | TV schedule | Latest news and more
Iowa vs. Illinois live updates, highlights from 2026 March Madness game
(All times Eastern)
Updates will start closer to the game's 6:09 p.m. ET tip-off.
MORE: Ranking the Sweet 16 coaches from best to worst
Where to watch 2026 March Madness games
Iowa vs. Illinois start time
- Date: Saturday, March 28
- Time: 6:09 p.m. ET
The Hawkeyes and Illini will tip off for their second-round matchup at 6:09 ET on Saturday.
The Iowa-Illinois game will be played at Toyota Center in Houston.
What channel is Iowa vs. Illinois on today?
- TV channels: TBS
- Live streams: DIRECTV
Saturday's matchup between Iowa and Illinois will be aired nationally on TBS. It is the first of two games set to be broadcast beneath the network's banner, followed by No. 2 Purdue-No. 1 Arizona (8:49 p.m. ET).
Cord-cutters can also stream the games through NCAA March Madness Live by logging into their TV provider or through DIRECTV.
March Madness schedule 2026
Elite Eight
Saturday, March 28
| No. 3 Illinois vs. No. 9 Iowa | 6:09 p.m. | TBS, truTV, DIRECTV |
| No. 1 Arizona vs. No. 2 Purdue | 8:49 p.m. | TBS, truTV, DIRECTV |
Sunday, March 29
| TBD vs. TBD | TBD | CBS, Fubo, Paramount+ |
| TBD vs. TBD | TBD | CBS, Fubo, Paramount+ |
Final Four
Saturday, April 4
| TBD vs. TBD | TBD | TBS, truTV, DIRECTV |
| TBD vs. TBD | TBD | TBS, truTV, DIRECTV |
National championship
Monday, April 6
| TBD vs. TBD | 8:50 p.m. | TBS, truTV, DIRECTV |
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