What time is Houston vs. Illinois today? Channel, live stream, TV schedule to watch March Madness Sweet 16 game
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The Houston Cougars and Illinois Fighting Illini are each led by one of the top freshmen in America in Kingston Flemings and Keaton Wagler, but the Sweet 16 matchup is a clash of styles for programs looking for their first national championship. Both teams spent the majority of the regular season ranked in the top 10 in the AP poll, and now, they face off with an Elite Eight spot on the line.
Kelvin Sampson's team, which was one basket away from the title in the previous NCAA Tournament, brings the same defensive tenacity that Houston has become known for, currently ranked second in the nation allowing just 62 points per game. Joining Flemings are star freshman Chris Cenac Jr. and returners Milos Uzan, Emmanuel Sharp and Joseph Tugler, all of whom were in San Antonio for the 2025 Final Four.
Now, the South region shifts to Houston, setting up a quasi-home game for the Cougars. The opponent is Brad Underwood's Illinois team, which behind Wagler has a top-20 scoring offense. The Fighting Illini had no problem getting to the second weekend, beating No. 14 Penn and No. 11 VCU by a combined 56 points. Though, the Houston defense will be Illinois' toughest test yet.
With the defending champions and top-seed Florida already eliminated, the winner of this matchup will be favored to punch a ticket to the 2026 Final Four in Indianapolis. The Cougars' redemption tour has reached their home city, while Illinois' scoring makes it a championship threat on any given night. Between the contrast of styles, the two future top-10 draft picks and two top coaches, the matchup in Houston is sure to have fireworks.
Here's what you need to know about Thursday's matchup between Houston and Illinois, including broadcast information and start time.
What time is Houston vs. Illinois today?
- Date: Thursday, March 26
- Time: 10:05 p.m. ET | 9:05 p.m. CT
The NCAA tournament game between Houston and Illinois is set to tip off at 10:05 p.m. ET from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
The neutral site game is only an eight-minute drive from the University of Houston campus, so the crowd might be shifted towards the Cougars; Houston lost one home game all season, coming at the hands of Arizona. The Cougars have made the Sweet 16 in seven consecutive seasons; on the other side, Illinois reached the second weekend for the second time in three years and is looking to reach the Final Four for the first time since 2005.
What channel is Houston vs. Illinois on today?
- TV channel: TBS
- Live stream:DIRECTV
Houston vs. Illinois will be aired nationally on TBS, with Kevin Harlan, Robbie Hummel and Stan Van Gundy on the call. Lauren Shehadi will join them on the sidelines.
Fans looking to stream Houston vs. Illinois can watch live on DIRECTV.
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Houston vs. Illinois radio coverage
- Radio station:SiriusXM
Fans who want to listen to Houston vs. Illinois can find it on the SiriusXM app or on channel 202 in vehicles.
Listen to every game of the 2026 NCAA men's basketball tournament live on SiriusXM.
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March Madness bracket 2026
Check the Sporting News NCAA Tournament live bracket for the latest final scores and next-round matchups.
When and where is the Final Four in 2026?
- Date: April 4 and 6
- Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
The 2026 Men's Final Four is set for April 4 and 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The semifinals will be played Saturday night and the national championship game is set for Monday night.
The home of the Indianapolis Colts previously hosted the event in 2010, 2015 and 2021 and is set to host again in 2029. Indianapolis previously hosted the Final Four at other facilities in 1980, 1991, 1997, 2000 and 2006.
Only Kansas City has been home to the Final Four more often (10 times), but the last one held there was in 1988.
March Madness tournament schedule 2026
Here is the round-by-round schedule for the 2026 NCAA men’s basketball tournament:
RoundDateFirst FourMarch 17-18First roundMarch 19-20Second roundMarch 21-22Sweet 16March 26-27Elite EightMarch 28-29Final FourApril 4National championshipApril 6