UConn takes down Illinois in Final Four, 71-62
The Huskies are heading to the national championship game after posting a remarkable defensive performance.
Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic (13) drives against Connecticut Huskies forward Jayden Ross (23) and Connecticut Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) in the second half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images | Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images UConn is playing in the last game of the season, with a chance to win the program’s seventh national championship after beating Illinois, 71-62, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
“There’s no better feeling than being on that bus on Monday night, just being one of the last two teams standing,” Husky head coach Dan Hurley said post-game. “I look forward to the ability to max out the season to get to the last game. ” UConn is in the title game for the third time in four years.
In a game that saw them control long stretches before holding off a late comeback effort, the Huskies came out victorious. Fresh off his historic buzzer-beater against Duke, Braylon Mullins wasted no time, hitting a three for the game’s first bucket and following it up with another to set the tone early. Tarris Reed Jr.
established himself inside just as quickly, hitting an and-one and throwing down a slam to help the Huskies jump out to a slim early lead. Jayden Ross hit a pair of threes to help UConn build the buffer up to 21-15 lead. But Illinois didn’t go away quietly.