Houston vs Texas A&M – 032126
Illinois vs Houston live score, updates, highlights from March Madness Sweet 16 game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The third-seeded Illinois Fighting Illini take on the second-seeded Houston Cougars in a 2026 NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 matchup. Illinois is coming off a 76-55-88 last-second victory over VCU. Houston defeated Texas A&M 88-57 to advance to the Sweet 16.
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The Illini (26-8), who finished in second place in a three-way tie in the Big 10 Conference, have won four of the last five games. The Cougars (30-6), who came in second in the Big 12, have also won four of five games.
The winner of this game will go onto face the winner of No. 9 Iowa vs No. 4 Nebraska with a chance to win the region and play in the Final Four.
Illinois vs Houston live updates, highlights from 2026 March Madness game
2nd – 0:42
In the final minutes of the game, Houston has begun to look more like themselves. With under a minute to play, they are still down by seven.
2nd Half – 1:42
Second chance points for Illinois have been an issue. Flemings hits a deep two, after official review. With that shot, the Cougars are on a 12-0 run cutting the Illini lead to single digits (9).
2nd Half – 2:59
McCarty has been the spark Houston needed. Hitting another three, this time from the corner, has cut the Illini 17-point lead down to 12.
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2nd Half – 4:27
The good news for Houston is Chase McCarty has gotten involved from three, hitting two threes on back-to-back possessions. The bad news is they are still struggling to prevent Illinois from scoring. Keaton Wagler and Tomislav Ivisic matched those threes on back-to-back possessions of their own. Illinois leads Houston 58-41.
2nd Half – 7:53
Both teams are now in the bonus regarding fouls. Houston got two timely scores from Emanuel Sharp but are still down double digits. Houston needs to cut significantly cut into the Illini leads if they’re going to make this a competitive game in the final stretch. Illinois leads Houston 46-35.
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2nd Half – 11:26
Ben Humrichous comes off the bench and hits a three on his first shot attempt. Illinois has increased their defensive pressure while shooting almost 40% from three. The Illini have extended their current run to a 17-0 run. Illinois now leads Houston 44-29
2nd Half – 14:19
Illinois is on an 11-0 run and have extended their lead to 38-26 and Houston’s shooting woes continue. After shooting on 27% from the field in the first half, Houston has only shot 25% from the floor in the first five minutes of the second half.
2nd Half – 16:23
Both teams began the second half aggressive with shot attempts. Houston tied the game quickly. Then Illinois Keaton Wagler either scored or assisted on seven points in the first couple minutes. Illinois leads Houston 31-26 after an Illini 9-2 run.
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This game has been the lowest scoring first half of any Tournament game in 2026. Stoyakovic leads all Illini scores with nine points (4-6 from the floor and 1-3 from the three) off the bench. While Kingston Flemings with his late three leads all Cougars scorers with seven points (3-7 from the floor and 1-2 from three)
End of the 1st half
Houston’s Kingston Flemings snapped his scoring drought at the perfect time hitting a much needed three as time expired. Illinois leads Houston 24-22 at the half.
1st Half – 1:34
With a few minutes left in the half, Illinois is on pace to have an uncharacteristic number of turnovers. Stoyakovic’ hot hand has cooled slightly, but Kingston Flemings and Emanuel Sharp are shooting below the line. Sharp is the leading scorer and hit a critical three late in the half. Illinois leads Houston 24-19
1st Half – 4:39
As the end of the first half approaches, neither team is shooting the ball particularly well. Illinois-38%, Houston-24%. Andrej Stoyakovic is almost singlehandedly keeping Illinois ahead with his nine points in eight minutes off the bench. Houston finds themselves in a bit of foul trouble. Even if Jojo Tugler got away with a few no calls.
Illinois leads Houston 21-14
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1st Half – 9:16
Houston fought back rather quickly jumping ahead 8-7 relying on Houston’s defensive effort. Since then, both teams have traded baskets with Illinois holding a 14-12 lead. w
1st Half – 16:13
Illinois began the game disciplined looking for the high percentage shot. However, the Houston defense has kept them close in the early minutes. After several possessions, the score remains 3-0 Illinois.
Shootaround ✅#MarchMadness#ForTheCity x #GoCoogspic.twitter.com/7VrSzE97ok
Tonight’s Sweet 16 game from Houston will be live at 10:10 p.m. ET on TBS.
What channel is Iowa vs. Nebraska on today?
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