(BCSNN) — Illinois is headed back to the Final Four for the first time in more than two decades, riding a dominant closing stretch and a breakout performance from its All‑American freshman to claim a 71–59 win over Iowa on Saturday night in the Elite Eight.

The third‑seeded Illini (28–8) outscored the Hawkeyes 20–8 over the final seven minutes, turning a 51–51 tie into a celebration of a season that now ranks among the most accomplished in program history. Illinois advances to its sixth Final Four and first since 2005, where it will face the winner of Duke vs. Connecticut next Saturday in Indianapolis.

“This group is special,” head coach Brad Underwood said. “Our resilience was unbelievable. Guys just kept throwing body blows, we just kept hanging in there. Here I am, an old juco coach from Kansas going to the Final Four with a group of guys that I love. Couldn’t be more proud.”

Illinois won the game with overwhelming physicality, finishing with a +17 rebounding margin (38–21) and a 40–12 advantage in points in the paint. The Illini held Iowa scoreless over the final two minutes and closed on an 8–0 run to secure the regional championship.

Freshman Keaton Wagler delivered a performance worthy of his All‑American billing, scoring 25 points on 8‑for‑17 shooting with three assists. Fourteen of his points came in the second half as he controlled the game’s tempo and repeatedly created separation for Illinois.

“He’s one of the best freshmen in America, he’s one of the best players in America,” Underwood said. “He was awesome tonight.”

Andrej Stojakovic added 17 points, including 10 in a perfect first half off the bench, while Tomislav Ivisic scored 13 — 11 of them after halftime — on 5‑for‑8 shooting. David Mirkovic anchored the interior with 12 rebounds, five of them offensive.

Iowa (24–13) came out firing, shooting 57 percent in the first half and hitting six threes to build a 32–28 halftime lead. But Illinois’ defense tightened after the break, holding the Hawkeyes to just six made field goals in the second half and only one inside the arc.

Illinois’ win adds another milestone to a banner season. The Illini now own the fourth‑most wins in program history and have reached the Final Four for the sixth time (1949, 1951, 1952, 1989, 2005, 2026). Underwood becomes just the third coach in school history to lead Illinois to a Final Four since the tournament expanded in 1975.

The Illini will now head to Lucas Oil Stadium with a chance to play for the program’s first national championship.