UConn vs. Illinois live updates: Latest score, highlights, analysis for Final Four
on3.com • • general
Key Points:
- The 2026 NCAA Tournament Final Four begins Saturday night with UConn facing Illinois at Lucas Oil Stadium, with the winner advancing to the national championship game.
- UConn reached the Final Four after a dramatic comeback win over Duke, highlighted by Braylon Mullins' game-winning shot, while Illinois secured its first Final Four berth since 2005 by defeating Iowa.
- Early in the game, UConn led Illinois 10-7 at the first media timeout and maintained an 18-12 lead with just over 11 minutes left in the first half, despite Illinois closing the gap to three points.
- Illinois will be without players Ty Rodgers, Toni Bilic, and Jason Jakstys due to injuries, while UConn reported no availability issues ahead of the game.
- Illinois entered the game as a 1.5-point favorite with an over-under of 139.5, and the matchup is broadcast on TBS/truTV with commentary from Ian Eagle, Grant Hill, Bill Raftery, and Tracy Wolfson.
