Illinois Edges UConn in Final Four Thriller

Illini advance to national title game with narrow victory over Huskies

Apr. 4, 2026 at 4:12pm

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In a highly anticipated Final Four matchup, the Illinois Fighting Illini (28-8) defeated the UConn Huskies (33-5) by a score of 78-76 to advance to the national championship game. The game came down to the wire, with Illinois' offensive rebounding and timely scoring proving to be the difference.

Why it matters

This victory marks Illinois' first trip to the national title game since 2005, giving the program a chance to win its first NCAA championship since that memorable run. For UConn, the loss ends their quest for a 5th national title under coach Dan Hurley, though the Huskies' impressive tournament run has further cemented their status as an elite college basketball program.

The details

Illinois was led by a balanced scoring attack, with Keaton Wagler and Kylan Boswell combining for 40 points. UConn's Tarris Reed Jr. dominated in the paint, but the Illini's size and physicality ultimately proved too much for the Huskies to overcome. A key sequence late in the game saw Illinois grab multiple offensive rebounds before Wagler hit the go-ahead jumper with under a minute to play.

  • The game was played on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 5:09 p.m. CT in Indianapolis, Indiana.
  • Illinois and UConn had previously met in the regular season, with UConn defeating Illinois 72-68 on November 28, 2025 at Madison Square Garden in New York.

The players

Keaton Wagler

A senior guard for the Illinois Fighting Illini, Wagler led the team in scoring with 22 points in the Final Four victory.

Kylan Boswell

A sophomore guard for the Illinois Fighting Illini, Boswell scored 18 points and played a key role in the Illini's backcourt.

Tarris Reed Jr.

A junior center for the UConn Huskies, Reed dominated in the paint with 20 points and 12 rebounds in the losing effort.

Brad Underwood

The head coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini, Underwood has led the program to its first Final Four appearance since 2005.

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the UConn Huskies, Hurley has built UConn into a national powerhouse during his tenure.

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What they’re saying

“We knew it was going to be a battle, but our guys stepped up when it mattered most. I'm so proud of this team and the way they've fought all season to get to this point.”

— Brad Underwood, Head Coach, Illinois Fighting Illini

“Credit to Illinois, they made the plays down the stretch to win this game. We gave it everything we had, but ultimately came up short. This one is going to sting for a while.”

— Dan Hurley, Head Coach, UConn Huskies

What’s next

Illinois will now advance to the national championship game on Monday, April 6, 2026, where they will face the winner of the other Final Four matchup between Michigan and Arizona.

The takeaway

This thrilling Final Four battle between Illinois and UConn showcased the depth and talent of both programs, with the Illini's offensive rebounding and timely scoring proving to be the difference. Illinois' return to the national title game after 21 years is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaching staff, and they will look to cap off their impressive season by winning the school's first NCAA championship since 2005.