Illinois Battles UConn in Nail-Biter National Semifinal

Illini look to avenge earlier loss and advance to national championship game

Apr. 5, 2026 at 12:13am

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The Illinois men's basketball team is taking on the University of Connecticut Huskies in a highly anticipated national semifinal matchup at the NCAA Tournament in Indianapolis. The Illini are seeking revenge after losing to UConn earlier this season, while the Huskies aim to continue their dominant tournament run.

Why it matters

This game represents a chance for Illinois to reach its second national championship game in program history. A win would also give the Illini a shot at their first national title since 2005. For UConn, a victory would put them one step closer to their sixth national championship.

The details

The game is a rematch of a November 2025 contest that UConn won 74-61. However, Illinois has improved significantly since then, led by Jerry West Award winner Keaton Wagler. The Illini will need strong performances from Wagler, Tomislav Ivisic, and Kylan Boswell to overcome the Huskies' balanced attack led by Tarris Reed Jr. and Braylon Mullins.

  • The game tips off at 5:09 p.m. local time on Saturday, April 5, 2026.
  • Illinois and UConn previously met on November 28, 2025, with the Huskies winning 74-61.

The players

Keaton Wagler

The Jerry West Award winner and Illinois' leading scorer, averaging 18.2 points per game this season.

Tarris Reed Jr.

UConn's dominant big man, who has averaged 17.5 points and 8.3 rebounds per game in the tournament.

Braylon Mullins

The Huskies' sharp-shooting guard, who has hit 11 three-pointers in the tournament so far.

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What they’re saying

“We know we've got to move the ball and get them in rotation better. Defensively, just stay true to our process and keep making them shoot threes over our hands and having them shoot contested twos.”

— Keaton Wagler, Illinois Player

“Both teams are getting good shots and missing a bunch of them. That's the one thing that sucks about playing in a dome. I'd like to see Illinois play at a much faster pace.”

— Charles Barkley, Analyst

What’s next

The winner of this game will advance to the national championship game on Monday, April 7, 2026.

The takeaway

This matchup between two storied programs promises to be a thrilling battle, with Illinois looking to avenge an earlier loss and reach the national title game, while UConn aims to continue its dominant tournament run. The outcome could come down to which team can best adapt to the unique environment of Lucas Oil Stadium.