Werner | Illini basketball's 2026 Final Four run a season to remember forever: 'Gave us the ride of our life'
247Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- The 2025-26 Illinois basketball team experienced a heartbreaking 71-62 loss to UConn in the Final Four, marked by an uncharacteristically poor shooting night for the program's most efficient offense.
- Despite the loss, the Illini achieved their third modern-era Final Four appearance and secured the fourth-most wins in a single season in program history with a 28-9 record.
- The team, led by standout freshmen and lottery-pick talent, revitalized the program's reputation and energized a passionate fan base, filling over half of the 70,000-seat NFL stadium for the semifinal game.
- Memorable moments from the season include Keaton Wagler's 46-point game, Andrej Stojakovic's defensive dominance, and key victories such as the Elite Eight win over Iowa, marking Illinois' first net-cutting in 21 years.
- Head coach Brad Underwood and players hope the season is remembered for the lasting memories and significant progress made, despite falling short of a national championship.
