Illinois vs UConn, title‑game pressure. See photos

Braylon Mullins #24 of the UConn Huskies reacts while playing against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Braylon Mullins #24 of the UConn Huskies reacts while playing against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana

Jayden Ross #23 and Jaylin Stewart #3 of the UConn Huskies react after a three pointer against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies reacts against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies celebrates with teammates after defeating the Illinois Fighting Illini in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks on against the UConn Huskies during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Solo Ball #1 of the UConn Huskies dunks the ball against Andrej Stojakovic #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Solo Ball #1 of the UConn Huskies dunks the ball against Andrej Stojakovic #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Solo Ball #1 of the UConn Huskies dunks the ball against Andrej Stojakovic #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini (not pictured) during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Solo Ball #1 of the UConn Huskies dunks the ball against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Solo Ball #1 of the UConn Huskies dunks the ball against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Solo Ball #1 of the UConn Huskies celebrates after a dunk against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Solo Ball #1 of the UConn Huskies celebrates after a dunk against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana

Jaylin Stewart #3, Jayden Ross #23, Eric Reibe #12, and Malachi Smith #0 of the UConn Huskies react while playing against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

David Mirkovic #0 of the Illinois Fighting Illini drives to the basket against Silas Demary Jr. #2 of the UConn Huskies during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Andrej Stojakovic #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini in action while playing against the UConn Huskies during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Andrej Stojakovic #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini shoots a floater against Jaylin Stewart #3 of the UConn Huskies during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Ben Humrichous #3 of the Illinois Fighting Illini shoots a layup against the UConn Huskies during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Ben Humrichous #3 and Jake Davis #15 of the Illinois Fighting Illini react while playing against the UConn Huskies during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Keaton Wagler #23 of the Illinois Fighting Illini shoots a three pointer against Silas Demary Jr. #2 of the UConn Huskies during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Tomislav Ivisic #13 of the Illinois Fighting Illini shoots a layup against Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Kylan Boswell #4 of the Illinois Fighting Illini defends Silas Demary Jr. #2 of the UConn Huskies during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana

Alex Karaban #11 of the UConn Huskies shoots a layup against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Keaton Wagler #23 of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts while playing against the UConn Huskies during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini and Kylan Boswell #4 react against the UConn Huskies during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball against Tomislav Ivisic #13 and David Mirkovic #0 of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies looks on during the second half against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The UConn Huskies bench celebrate after a three pointer during the second half against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Solo Ball #1 of the UConn Huskies celebrates after making a three pointer against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Andrej Stojakovic #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini shoots the ball against Silas Demary Jr. #2 of the UConn Huskies during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Silas Demary Jr. #2 of the UConn Huskies and Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies look on during the second half against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies reacts against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies speaks with the referee during the second half of the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies reacts against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies reacts against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Andrej Stojakovic #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini shoots the ball against Silas Demary Jr. #2 of the UConn Huskies during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Braylon Mullins #24 of the UConn Huskies drives to the basket against Andrej Stojakovic #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Braylon Mullins #24 of the UConn Huskies shoots a layup against Keaton Wagler #23 of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Braylon Mullins #24 of the UConn Huskies shoots a layup against Keaton Wagler #23 of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Keaton Wagler #23 and Jake Davis #15 of the Illinois Fighting Illini battle for possession against Alex Karaban #11 and Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies and Jayden Ross #23 react against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Silas Demary Jr. #2 of the UConn Huskies defends David Mirkovic #0 of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Alex Karaban #11 of the UConn Huskies shoots a layup against David Mirkovic #0 of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

David Mirkovic #0 of the Illinois Fighting Illini grabs a rebound against the UConn Huskies during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Alex Karaban #11 of the UConn Huskies drives to the basket against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 04: Jaylin Stewart #3 of the UConn Huskies reacts while playing against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

David Mirkovic #0 of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks to pass while being defended by Alex Karaban #11 of the UConn Huskies during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Kylan Boswell #4 of the Illinois Fighting Illini in action while playing against the UConn Huskies during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Keaton Wagler #23 of the Illinois Fighting Illini drives to the basket against the UConn Huskies during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini speaks with David Mirkovic #0 of the Illinois Fighting Illini against the UConn Huskies during the first half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Keaton Wagler #23 of the Illinois Fighting Illini shoots a layup against Silas Demary Jr. #2 of the UConn Huskies during the first half of the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Braylon Mullins #24 of the UConn Huskies defends Keaton Wagler #23 of the Illinois Fighting Illini in the first half of the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Solo Ball #1 of the UConn Huskies reacts against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Braylon Mullins #24 of the UConn Huskies is helped up by Solo Ball #1 and Silas Demary Jr. #2 while playing against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the first half of the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Braylon Mullins #24 of the UConn Huskies reacts against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball against David Mirkovic #0 of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies celebrates a basket against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies celebrates a basket against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies celebrates a basket against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana

Keaton Wagler #23 of the Illinois Fighting Illini shoots a layup against the UConn Huskies in the first half of the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Ben Humrichous #3 of the Illinois Fighting Illini blocks the shot of Jayden Ross #23 of the UConn Huskies in the first half of the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Jayden Ross #23 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball against Ben Humrichous #3 of the Illinois Fighting Illini in the first half of the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball against Tomislav Ivisic #13 of the Illinois Fighting Illini in the first half of the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies reacts while playing against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the first half of the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies dunks the ball against Ben Humrichous #3 of the Illinois Fighting Illini in the first half of the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Braylon Mullins #24 of the UConn Huskies interacts with Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies in the first half while playing against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Tomislav Ivisic #13 of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts while playing against the UConn Huskies in the first half of the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Kylan Boswell #4 of the Illinois Fighting Illini shoots a floater against Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies in the first half of the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

UConn Huskies guard Braylon Mullins (24) makes a layup and is fouled by Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) in the first half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies reacts against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) blocks a shot attempt from UConn Huskies forward Alex Karaban (11) in the first half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) shoots the ball against UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) during the first half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium

Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts after a play against the UConn Huskies during the first half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Andrej Stojakovic #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini drives to the basket against Solo Ball #1 of the UConn Huskies in the first half of the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic (13) walks off the court after taking an elbow to the mouth Saturday, April 4, 2026, during a Final Four game against the UConn Huskies at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies reacts against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies shoots a layup against Zvonimir Ivisic #44 of the Illinois Fighting Illini in the first half of the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies dunks the ball against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the first half of the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Kylan Boswell #4 of the Illinois Fighting Illini makes a pass while playing against UConn Huskies in the first half of the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Jayden Ross #23 of the UConn Huskies gestures while playing against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the first half of the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

UConn Huskies forward Jayden Ross (23) celebrates a made three point basket Saturday, April 4, 2026, during a Final Four game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

David Mirkovic #0 and Jake Davis #15 of the Illinois Fighting Illini huddle up with their teammates prior to the Final Four against the UConn Huskies in the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

UConn Huskies forward Jaylin Stewart (3) shoots the ball over Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) in the first half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) saves the ball to Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic (13) against the UConn Huskies in the first half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.

UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) reacts after a play against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) shoots the ball against UConn Huskies guard Silas Demary Jr. (2) during the first half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) shoots over UConn Huskies guard Solo Ball (1) in the first half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.

UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) shoots the ball past Illinois Fighting Illini center Zvonimir Ivisic (44) in the first half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.

UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) dunks the ball against Illinois Fighting Illini forward Ben Humrichous (3) in the first half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.

UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) reacts after a play against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) is guarded Saturday, April 4, 2026, by UConn Huskies guard Silas Demary Jr. (2) during a Final Four game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

UConn Huskies guard Braylon Mullins (24) celebrates after shooting and making his second three point basket of the first half Saturday, April 4, 2026, during a Final Four game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

UConn Huskies forward Jayden Ross (23) celebrates after making a three-point basket against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the first half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) shoots the ball against UConn Huskies guard Malachi Smith (0) in the first half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.

UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley gets after his team Saturday, April 4, 2026, during a Final Four game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) reacts after a play against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) drives to the basket against UConn Huskies guard Silas Demary Jr. (2) during the first half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies jumps for the ball against Tomislav Ivisic #13 of the Illinois Fighting Illini in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.