***Official 2026 NCAA Tournament Thread***

[Bret44]

Thank you Brad Underwood.

 

[CloniesForLife]

Lost to a rival too so hopefully it stings a little more lol

 

[CYCLNST8]

Thank god!

Same. I haven’t slept for 48 hours. Feels a lot like Kansas State’s fluke Elite 8 runs. Wish we could face a paper tiger in the Sweet 16.

 

[RagingCloner]

Honestly, Hats off to Drake for a great season

 

[SCNCY]

I-L-L

I-N-i

 

[Cyinthenorth]

Order somewhat restored for now. Thank you, Illinois

 

[Cyched]

 

[jbhtexas]

Numerous earthquakes caused by shifting buildings reported across the US as Cyclone fans come back in off the ledge...

 

[cyclone83]

In heaven there is beer

 

[Clones2023]

Go home to mommy and daddy you bandwagon squawks. Good luck without Stirtz saving Benny for 4 years.

 

[Jacktronic]

Much more competitive game than Tennessee curb stomping us either way

Now that the game's over, looks like they lost by 12. We lost by 14. I'd assume you were a ******* hok troll if I didn't know better.

 

[deadeyededric]

So I keep hearing about Stirtz not being back for Iowa. What exactly is ISU going to do without Lipsey and Jefferson?

 

[Kinch]

Does this mean the Squawk Trolls can move on and go somewhere else?

 

[Cyinthenorth]

Same. I haven’t slept for 48 hours. Feels a lot like Kansas State’s fluke Elite 8 runs. Wish we could face a paper tiger in the Sweet 16.

Wasn't anything like it IMO

 

[deadeyededric]

Now that the game's over, looks like they lost by 12. We lost by 14. I'd assume you were a ******* hok troll if I didn't know better.

They played a much better team

 

[awd4cy]

I guess we get to hear them brag about an elite 8, but that’s far better than listening to them brag about a final four

 

[NWICY]

Thank goodness Illinois pulled that out

 

[12191987]

Maybe it isn’t surprising, but at no point did pride as a native born Iowan kick in and make me root in the slightest for the Hawkeyes.

It is 100% relief that they lost.

Not meeting another Cyclone fan until 5th-6th grade probably explains that.

 

[Cyhig]

Looking forward to the moral victory comments from Iowa fans

 

[HoopsTournament]

Illinois is in the Final Four for the first time since 2005 and the 5th time overall. They are 1-4 in the National Semifinals. Their only win in the National Semifinals was in 2005 vs Louisville.