After Illinois's dominant win over the VCU Rams, the Fighting Illini were deservedly celebrating big in the locker room, but their mode of celebration was unusual, to say the least.
Players and staff alike were seen lighting each other up with super-soaker water guns, literally dousing each other and Illinois head coach Brad Underwood as they celebrated punching their ticket to the Sweet 16.
Even Underwood, a usually stoic and serious personality, cracked a smile as the team had its fun with the super soakers, and once he finally escaped the mayhem, he couldn't help but crack a joke about the whole thing.
"If we're fortunate enough to win [against Houston], then wait til they see the big one that I'm coming in with next time," Underwood said, suggesting that he might bring out an even bigger water gun if the Illini can beat the Houston Cougars in the Sweet 16.
Brad Underwood having fun with the team will make fans smile
Underwood has led the Fighting Illini for nearly a decade, and this is just the second time he has led Illinois to the Sweet 16, the only other appearance coming just two years ago before the team was eliminated in the Elite Eight.
Of course, the Illinois head coach is taking this moment very seriously, striving to take his team all the way to the National Championship. However, isn't it refreshing to see a coach celebrate their wins and enjoy a little fun with their players?
Enjoy it.
— Illinois Men's Basketball (@IlliniMBB) March 22, 2026
Enjoy it.
Enjoy it. pic.twitter.com/JMasN2Pjha
If you're curious, two years ago, when the Illini advanced to the Sweet 16, Underwood was the one who brought out a super soaker to surprise his team.
Brad Underwood brought out the super soakers after Illinois advanced to the Sweet Sixteen 🔫😂
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) March 24, 2024
pic.twitter.com/roKx1cyQ9Z
Illinois blew past VCU and undeniably deserved to celebrate the win in whatever fashion the team preferred. However, after the water guns were put back into storage, it was time to get serious about the next game on the horizon.
No. 3-seed Illinois and No. 2-seed Houston are scheduled to play on Thursday, March 26, at the Toyota Center in Houston, TX. The exact tip-off time has yet to be determined.