The Eastern Illinois players and coaches have a good time in the locker room after the victory. There is a time and a place.
Eastern Illinois pulled off the biggest college basketball upset by point spread in the modern era Wednesday, defeating Iowa 92-83 as a 31.5-point favorite.
It was the first time in the past 30 seasons that a team had won by more than 30 points. Over the past 30 seasons, no team has been favored by more than 30 points.
Most sportsbooks didn't give odds on the game being won by the panthers.
The start of Wednesday's game was moved up 412 hours due to the weather forecast, and the Hawkeyes went on to lead 45-37 at the half.
| Date | Team | Spread | Opp. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wed. | E. Illinois | 31.5 | Iowa |
| Nov. 2019 | S.F. Austin | 27.5 | Duke |
| Dec. 2019 | Charl. So. | 26.0 | Mizzou |
| Nov. 2007 | Gar.-Webb | 26.0 | UK |
Eastern Illinois took control of the game after Hodges had three dunks in a row. With 5:26 to play, Donaldson made it 75-65 with a layup, and his jumper made it 82-68.
The Hawkeyes went 2 of 17 behind the arc and 3 of 36 overall, while the panthers went 21 of 29 after the break, including 4 of 8 from 3-point range.
There was only one suspect foul shooting. In the second half, Eastern Illinois was 9 of 17 from the line, while Iowa was 14 of 23.
Eastern Illinois lost to Illinois and Ohio State earlier in the season. Luers scored 10 points.
It was the fourth Power 5 win for the Panther's. They won over a Big Ten team for the first time in 35 years.
The AP contributed.
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