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UConn beats Illinois 71-62 to reach third final in four years

By Bruna • April 5, 2026 • 4 min de leitura
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UConn Huskies defeated Illinois 71-62 Saturday night at Lucas Oil Stadium and advanced to the national finals of the NCAA Tournament. The team led by Dan Hurley controlled most of the game and resisted the late reaction of Illini to guarantee their place in Monday’s decision. With the result, the Huskies are looking for their third title in four years, a feat that has not occurred in men’s college basketball since the 1970s.

The victory marked UConn’s third Final Four appearance in four seasons. Os Huskies they led for more than 90% of the game time and opened up a 14-point lead in the second half. Mesmo with Illinois reducing the difference to four points in two moments at the end of the match, Hurley’s team maintained control and closed the score efficiently.

  • Braylon Mullins scored 15 points with four hits on seven three-point attempts.
  • Tarris Reed Jr. contributed 15 points and 11 rebounds.
  • Solo Ball reached double digits in scoring for the third game in a row.

Offensive performance in the first half

Huskies dominated the first half and did not commit a turnover before the break, an unprecedented mark in games under the command of Hurley. The team opened a double-digit lead in the initial stage and maintained the pace throughout the second half. The long-distance shots were decisive, with ten three-pointers made in 26 attempts, equaling the program record at Final Four.

The defense also limited Illinois’s offense, which finished with 106 points per 100 possessions, almost 30 points below its season average. Os Huskies took better advantage of the opportunities created and converted free throws with great success, missing just two in 17 attempts.

Late reaction of Illini

Brad Underwood’s team reacted at the end and reduced the deficit on two occasions. Mesmo thus failed to turn the score around against the solidity presented by Huskies. The confrontation repeated the regular season duel, when UConn won 74 to 61 in Madison Square Garden, in November 2025.

Reed Jr. and Mullins were fundamental in building the victory. Mullins He grew in production in the final minutes and contributed to the advantage at the end of the first half. Outros Players also stood out throughout the match and helped maintain the collective balance.

Search for the historic feat

Dan Hurley has the opportunity to become the first coach in more than five decades to win three national titles in four seasons. The last coach to reach a similar mark was John Wooden of UCLA in the 1970s. UConn has just a remnant from the winning campaigns of 2023 and 2024, which makes its current resilience even more remarkable.

Hurley highlighted that the current group overcame difficult injuries and defeats during the season, characteristics similar to those of the 2023 champion team. The team demonstrated determination and earned respect throughout the tournament. Os Huskies Now they are preparing for the national final, where they can repeat a rare feat in college basketball.

Details of collective action

Huskies had a higher three-point shooting performance compared to the season average. Antes of the game, the team converted 34.6% of long-distance attempts and just 29% in the NCAA tournament. On Saturday, they surpassed these marks and created good offensive opportunities.

Defensive solidity prevented Illinois, leader in offensive efficiency adjusted by KenPom, from exploiting its main weapons. The rebounds and distribution of points between several players ensured balance. UConn reaches the decision with high morale after overcoming strong opponents on the way to Indianápolis.

Preparation for the final

Hurley’s team will face the winner of the other semifinal in the decision on Monday night, in the same Lucas Oil Stadium. Os Huskies have accumulated experience in decisive games and seek to expand the program’s recent legacy. The focus remains on collective execution and maintaining the intensity demonstrated throughout the tournament.