CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Kylan Boswell’s career-high 24 points and stellar performances from four other Illinois players propelled the 24th-ranked Fighting Illini to a 106-94 victory over 15th-seeded Iowa in a thrilling second-round Big Ten Tournament game on Thursday night in Indianapolis.
Boswell, who had been a key contributor all season, was joined by Tre White, who added 22 points, and Tomislav Ivisic, who finished with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, helping Illinois improve to 21-11 and extend their winning streak to four games. Illinois made nearly 55% of their shots.
Iowa’s Payton Sandfort made history, tying the Big Ten Tournament record with eight 3-pointers and matching his career-high with 30 points. Despite his remarkable shooting performance, Iowa was dealt a tough blow when head coach Fran McCaffery was ejected after two technical fouls with 13:33 left in the game.
Illinois will face No. 11 Maryland in Friday’s third quarterfinal game.