It’s a “sweet” time to be a fan of the Illinois Fighting Illini!

No. 3 seed Illinois dominated from start to finish in its 89-63 second-round win over 11th-seeded underdog Duquesne at the CHI Health Center Omaha on Saturday night, securing the Fighting Illini’s first trip to the Sweet 16 since 2005.

In what has already been a wild March Madness, Duquesne marched their way to the Round of 32, only to be met by the lethal offense of Illinois.

Four scorers finished in double figures, while the Orange and Blue ended up with their fourth-largest NCAA Tournament win in program history. At one point in the second half, they were up by 32 points.

13 players registered minutes in the 26-point win. With the win, Illinois secured its ninth appearance in the Sweet 16 and pushed its season win total 28, the third-most in program history.

Star Terrence Shannon Jr. secured his seventh 30-point scoring effort of the season – including his third in the Illini’s last four games – while shooting 10-for-14 from the field. Shannon missed only one shot in the second half, and his 30-point performance was the third-ever for Illinois in NCAA Tournament history. He also tacked on four rebounds, four assists, and two steals.

Illinois now travels to the Sweet 16 in Boston, where it will take on No. 2 seed Iowa State at the TD Garden on Thursday.