APTOPIX NCAA Illinois UConn Basketball - 4.4.26

UConn forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) rebounds as Illinois guard Keaton Wagler (23) pursues during the first half of an NCAA college basketball tournament semifinal game at the Final Four, Saturday, April 4, 2026, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

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UConn and Hurley muscle their way to 3rd national title game in 4 seasons, beating Illinois 71-62

UConn and Hurley muscle their way to 3rd national title game in 4 seasons, beating Illinois 71-62

UConn got another critical 3-pointer from Braylon Mullins and coach Dan Hurley’s Huskies are heading back to the national title game. UConn beat Illinois 71-62 in the Final Four on Saturday night as the Huskies seek their third championship in four seasons. Tarris Reed Jr. had 17 points and 11 rebounds, while the fabulous freshman Mullins scored 15 for the Huskies, who rode strong inside play and tough defense to their 19th straight victory in the Sweet 16 or later rounds of the NCAA Tournament. UConn will face Michigan on Monday night as it seeks its seventh title, all since 1999.