HOUSTON, Texas (WCIA) – Illinois men’s basketball is dancing on, beating Houston 65-55 in the Sweet 16 to advance to the Elite 8.

In the win, Illinois got a big boost from its two starting freshman.

David Mirkovic and Keaton Wagler both notched a double-double with points and rebounds. Mirkovic paired 14 points with 10 rebounds, while Wagler posted 13 points and 12 rebounds.

The duo becomes the first pair of freshman teammates to both have a double-double in the same NCAA tournament game since freshmen became fully eligible in 1972-73, according to Illini Athletics and ESPN.

“He’s a great listener,” Illinois head coach Brad Underwood said, adding Illinois talked all week about guard rebounding. “Keaton just takes everything to heart… To do this, in this moment – You guys got to understand what a joy it is to coach him”

Additionally, Mirkovic’s effort on the glass helped him surpass Kofi Cockburn for the Illinois freshman record for rebounds in a season.

“I’m really proud of us,” Mirkovic said after Illinois put together a defensive clinic against the Cougars. “We were mentally locked in for 40 minutes.”

Illinois will play Iowa in the Elite 8 on Saturday, set for a 5:09 CT tip-off on TBS/truTV.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.