Final Four 2026: UConn stymies Illinois, fends off rally to advance to third NCAA title game in 4 seasons
Yahoo Sports • • general
Key Points:
- UConn defeated Illinois 71-62 in the Final Four semifinal, overcoming Illinois' top-ranked offense with strong defense and a balanced attack.
- Braylon Mullins and Tarris Reed Jr. led UConn’s offense, combining for 32 points, with Mullins hitting a crucial late 3-pointer to seal the win.
- UConn limited Illinois to just three assists and 34% shooting, disrupting their normally efficient offense and holding them to one of their lowest scoring outputs of the season.
- Illinois mounted a second-half rally but couldn’t overcome a 13-point deficit, with Keaton Wagler scoring 20 points in a rare bright spot for the team.
- UConn advances to the national championship game to face either Arizona or Michigan, aiming for their third NCAA title in four years under coach Dan Hurley.
