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Greenfield Today
By the People, for the People
UConn Reaches Third Title Game in Four Years
Huskies outlast Illinois in physical Final Four battle to advance to championship showdown with Michigan
Apr. 5, 2026 at 10:41am
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The UConn Huskies secured a 71-62 victory over Illinois in the Final Four on Saturday night, extending their remarkable NCAA Tournament winning streak to 19 consecutive games in the Sweet 16 or later rounds. Freshman Braylon Mullins hit a clutch three-pointer late to help the Huskies hold off a furious Illinois comeback attempt and punch their ticket to the national championship game for the third time in the last four seasons.
Why it matters
UConn's continued dominance in the NCAA Tournament cements their status as the most feared program in college basketball. Their ability to win tough, physical battles and make winning plays down the stretch highlights the championship pedigree of the Huskies' roster and coaching staff.
The details
Despite significant scoring droughts, UConn's interior presence and timely shot-making proved to be the difference. Freshman sensation Braylon Mullins drilled a crucial three-pointer in the final minute to seal the victory, while Tarris Reed Jr. recorded a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds to anchor the Huskies' dominance in the paint. Though Illinois mounted a late comeback, UConn's defense and composure under pressure were too much for the Illini to overcome.
- The win extends UConn's remarkable streak to 19 consecutive tournament victories in the Sweet 16 or later rounds.
- With the win, UConn advances to the national championship game for the third time in the last four seasons.
The players
Braylon Mullins
A freshman sensation who hit a clutch three-pointer in the final minute to help UConn seal the victory, playing just miles from his hometown of Greenfield, Indiana.
Tarris Reed Jr.
The UConn center led the Huskies with a monster double-double, recording 17 points and 11 rebounds to anchor their dominance in the paint.
Alex Karaban
The UConn star forward tied the record for the second-most career March Madness victories by a player with 18, despite struggling with his shot.
Keaton Wagler
The Illinois freshman guard led all scorers with 20 points and 8 rebounds, becoming the first freshman since Derrick Rose in 2008 to post a 20/8 stat line in a National Semifinal.
Tomislav Ivišić
The Illinois forward provided a secondary punch with 16 points and 7 rebounds, including the three-pointer that gave Illinois their only lead of the game.
What they’re saying
“The machine keeps rolling. In a physical, high-stakes battle at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday night, the UConn Huskies proved why they are the most feared program in March.”
— Ralph Garcia, CEO, NGSC Sports
What’s next
Monday night's national championship game will be a clash of styles, with Michigan's high-scoring 'Mara-centric' offense facing off against UConn's battle-tested, defensive-minded machine.
The takeaway
UConn's continued dominance in the NCAA Tournament, including their ability to win tough, physical battles and make winning plays down the stretch, solidifies their status as the premier program in college basketball.
