Illinois falls to UConn in Final Four after shooting struggles

INDANAPOLIS – The Illini’s first Final Four appearance in more than 20 years came to an abrupt halt Saturday night in Indianapolis up against UConn. Illinois’ shooting struggles proved to be too much to overcome as UConn would build up a 14-point lead, eventually winning 71-62. “We were getting the shots we wanted, they just weren’t falling,” Illini guard Keaton Wagler said.

Illinois shot just 34% from the field and went 6 of 26 from three-point range in the loss. “Shots that we usually make didn’t fall, and that’s it,” added freshman forward David Mirkovic. Senior guard and Champaign, Illinois, native Kylan Boswell struggled to find his touch, finishing with six points and only knocking down one shot.

“I couldn’t get a layup to drop today, and our threes weren’t falling,” Boswell said. Proposed law would require gun makers to make firearms switch-proof Illinois made a late push in the second half, going on a 10–0 run to cut UConn’s lead to four points. However, the experienced Huskies team responded pulling away down the stretch.

“We just needed to get stops, especially late,” Wagler said. “We gave up an offensive rebound that led to a three, and that’s kind of what killed us. ” UConn will now play for a national championship against Michigan, seeking its third title in the past four seasons.