UConn BB Is Championship Bound Again
- emeredith55
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
By Elias Meredith
Sportz Nation - 4/6/2026
2 UCONN VS 3 ILLINOIS
On Saturday evening, the UConn Huskies looked for their third NCAA championship appearance in the last four years. They would take on one of the most efficient offenses in the nation, the Illinois Fighting Illini at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. Dan Hurley’s Huskies would outlast Brad Underwood’s Fighting Illini en route to the national title game. The Huskies were led by the double-double of senior center Tarris Reed Jr., who finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
In the first half, UConn found a rhythm early, as they opened up the game on an 18-9 run. Illinois would respond by going on a 13-3 run to take their first lead of the 7:55 mark of the first half.
After 3 minutes of scoreless basketball, where both teams went a combined 0-8 from the field, UConn's Tarris Reed Jr. hook shot put the Huskies back in the lead.
UConn would take a 37-29 lead into halftime. The hero of the Elite Eight Braylon Mullins led the Huskies in the first half with 12 points. Illinois freshman Keaton Wagler led the Fighting Illini with 10 points.
At the 9:43 mark of the second half, UConn was up 57-43, when Illinois stormed back. The Fighting Illini would go on a 10-0 run to cut their deficit to 4.
UConn would keep Illinois at bay, finishing the game at the free throw line. The Huskies would convert on 7 of their last 8 free throw attempts to close out the game.
Next for the Huskies: NCAA Tournament | NCAA Championship Game | Monday, April 6 vs Michigan Wolverines at 8:50 PM EST
Thank you for reading!
Elias Meredith (@EAM_55)