Four players to watch ahead of UConn’s Final Four matchup with Illinois

Nov 28, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) looks to drive past UConn Huskies guard Solo Ball (1) in the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images UConn men’s basketball and Illinois are set for a rematch in Indianapolis on Saturday with a spot in the 2026 national championship on the line. The Huskies and Fighting Illini faced off earlier this season in a Black Friday showdown at Madison Square Garden, where UConn came away with a 74-61 victory .

Solo Ball scored 15 points to lead the Huskies, while Malachi Smith chipped in 14 with nine assists. The Huskies held Illinois to just 6-29 shooting from three but had no answer for Kylan Boswell, who had 25 points. Outside of Boswell, the Illini couldn’t get anything going offensively, averaging just 0.

92 points per possession, the only time this offense — now No. 1 in offensive efficiency — averaged under one point per possession all season. Things will be different this time around.

UConn got the job done with small roles from Tarris Reed Jr. and Braylon Mullins, who played 15 and 10 minutes respectively due to injuries. Illinois star freshman Keaton Wagler, now one of the best players in the country, was a total non factor, scoring three points in 14 minutes.