- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
UConn Advances to National Title Game
Huskies defeat Illinois 71-62 to reach third championship in four seasons
Apr. 5, 2026 at 2:11am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The University of Connecticut men's basketball team is heading to the national title game for the third time in four seasons after defeating the University of Illinois 71-62 in the Final Four on Saturday night. UConn was led by a critical 3-pointer from junior guard Braylon Mullins, as coach Dan Hurley's Huskies continue their quest for another championship.
Why it matters
UConn has emerged as a national powerhouse in men's college basketball, reaching the national title game in three of the last four seasons under coach Dan Hurley. The Huskies' sustained success at the highest level of the sport has cemented their status as one of the premier programs in the country.
The details
In a closely contested semifinal matchup, UConn pulled away from Illinois late in the second half behind a clutch 3-pointer from Braylon Mullins. The Huskies' defense held the Illini to just 62 points, continuing UConn's strong defensive play throughout the NCAA Tournament.
- The game was played on Saturday, April 5, 2026.
- UConn has now reached the national title game in three of the last four seasons.
The players
Braylon Mullins
A junior guard for the UConn Huskies who hit a critical 3-pointer to help lead his team to the national title game.
Dan Hurley
The head coach of the UConn men's basketball team, guiding the Huskies to their third national championship game appearance in four seasons.
What they’re saying
“This team has worked so hard to get back to this stage, and I'm so proud of the effort they've put in all season long.”
— Dan Hurley, Head Coach, UConn Huskies
What’s next
UConn will face the winner of the other Final Four matchup in the national championship game on Monday, April 7, 2026.
The takeaway
UConn's sustained excellence under coach Dan Hurley has cemented the Huskies' status as one of the premier men's basketball programs in the country, with their third national title game appearance in four seasons.
