The Iowa State men are closing in on their first trip to the Final Four since 1944. The second seeded Cyclones will play third seeded Illinois Thursday night in Boston in the semifinals of the East Region. In his third season as head coach T.J. Otzelberger is taking the Cyclones to a second Sweet Sixteen.

Otzelberger says support from the fans and the administration is a big part of their success.

Defense has been a staple of ISU teams under Otzelberger but this team has balance on offense and that makes the Cyclones difficult to guard.

Tip time for Thursday night’s game has been set for 9:09pm, Iowa time.