Andrej Stojakovic Leads Illinois into Sweet 16 with 21-Point Performance

Andrej Stojakovic scored 21 points as No. 3 Illinois defeated 11th-seeded VCU, 76-55, to reach the Sweet 16, a result reported as of March 22, 2026. The game in Greenville, South Carolina, extended Illinois’ run under coach Brad Underwood, marking the program’s second trip to the regional semifinal in three seasons.

The Illini (26-8) used size and defense to control the contest, holding VCU to 35% shooting and a 45-29 rebounding edge. Tomislav Ivisic contributed a double-double (14 points, 11 rebounds) and Keaton Wagler added 14 points. Illinois, who advanced after a first-round win over Penn, also recorded five blocks while limiting the Rams’ rhythm following an early injury to VCU guard Nyk Lewis, who sprained an ankle in the opening minute and did not return.

VCU (28-8) received 17 points from Terrence Hill Jr., but could not sustain a midgame run that briefly produced a 28-26 lead. Stojakovic provided a late first-half surge, scoring all points in a 9-0 spurt and finishing with 16 at the break. Illinois now advances to face No. 2 seed Houston in the South Region in Houston, where the Cougars reached the Sweet 16 after an 88-57 win over Texas A&M; a victory there would move Illinois closer to its first Final Four since 2005.