Fighting Illini's NCAA Tournament run ends with a Final Four loss to UConn

Dan Hurley's Huskies defeat Illinois 71-62 to reach third national championship game in four years

Apr. 5, 2026 at 1:56pm

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The University of Connecticut Huskies defeated the University of Illinois Fighting Illini 71-62 in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. UConn, led by head coach Dan Hurley, advanced to the national championship game for the third time in four years. Freshman Braylon Mullins hit a key 3-pointer late in the game to help seal the victory for the Huskies, who used strong interior play and tough defense to overcome a late charge by the Fighting Illini.

Why it matters

UConn's victory extends their impressive streak of reaching the Sweet 16 or later rounds of the NCAA Tournament, showcasing the program's sustained excellence under Hurley's leadership. The loss ends Illinois' Cinderella tournament run, but the Fighting Illini's first Final Four appearance since 2005 represents a significant milestone for the program and head coach Brad Underwood.

The details

UConn's Fabulous freshman Braylon Mullins made another last-minute 3-pointer to help the Huskies defeat Illinois. Tarris Reed Jr. led UConn with 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Mullins finished with 15 points. Illinois' Keaton Wagler had 20 points and 8 rebounds, but the Fighting Illini struggled from 3-point range, making just 6 of 26 attempts. UConn's defense and interior play proved to be the difference, as the Huskies held Illinois to 35% shooting from the field.

  • The game was played on Saturday, April 5, 2026 in Indianapolis.

The players

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the UConn Huskies, who is trying to become the only active coach with more than two national championships.

Braylon Mullins

A fabulous freshman for the UConn Huskies, who hit a key 3-pointer late in the game to help seal the victory.

Tarris Reed Jr.

A UConn player who led the team with 17 points and 11 rebounds.

Keaton Wagler

A freshman guard for the Illinois Fighting Illini, who led his team with 20 points and 8 rebounds.

Brad Underwood

The head coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini, who reached his first Final Four at the age of 62.

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What they’re saying

“We're a tough program, we're a group of fighters. We've got incredible will. We go into these games, we're ready for battle. For us, it's not a game that we're just kind of running around in uniforms throwing the ball around, hoping it goes in. That's not what we're doing out there. We're fighting. It's a life-and-death struggle for us to get to Monday night for the opportunity to win a championship.”

— Dan Hurley, Head Coach, UConn Huskies

“The set was going to be run for anybody on the team. You've just got to shoot with confidence. Just trying to find the best look on the floor, and I know our point guards are going to get us the ball, so I think that was the biggest shot I hit tonight.”

— Braylon Mullins, Freshman, UConn Huskies

“It's margins, they're so small. Getting here is really hard. Winning is really hard. It's why I have so much appreciation for Alex Karaban. He's been to three of them. That's freaky. It's a rebound, it's a loose ball, it's a ball rolling in, it's a banked 3.”

— Brad Underwood, Head Coach, Illinois Fighting Illini

What’s next

UConn will face Michigan in the national championship game on Monday, April 7, 2026, with the Huskies seeking their seventh national title.

The takeaway

UConn's victory over Illinois showcases the Huskies' sustained excellence under Dan Hurley, as they continue their dominant run in the NCAA Tournament. Meanwhile, the Fighting Illini's first Final Four appearance in over 20 years represents a significant milestone for the program, despite the tough loss.