UConn Huskies coach Dan Hurley has his team in the national championship game for the third time in the last four seasons.

Illinois managed to make things somewhat interesting down the stretch against UConn, but fell in disappointing fashion after a spirited run. The Fighting Illini knew they had many chances to grab control at various points of the game, but failed to do so as layups and floaters around the rim consistently bounced around and out.

Illinois coach Brad Underwood doesn't need any reminders about what happened the last two times his team faced UConn.

Duke basketball faces UConn in the Elite 8 of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Follow for updates heading into the matchup.

UConn beat Illinois 71–62 in a physical Final Four battle, hitting 12 threes and committing just four turnovers to advance to Monday’s title game vs. Michigan.