NCAAB · Final

UConn Defeats Illinois 74-61 at Madison Square Garden

Friday, November 28, 2025, 12:30 PM ET · Madison Square Garden

UConn Huskies 74, Illinois Fighting Illini 61, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won Illinois Fighting Illini vs UConn Huskies?

UConn Huskies beat Illinois Fighting Illini 74-61 at Madison Square Garden on November 28, 2025.

In a decisive matchup at Madison Square Garden, the UConn Huskies secured a 74-61 victory over the Illinois Fighting Illini. This game showcased UConn's strong performance, particularly in the second half, where they effectively pulled away from Illinois to clinch the win. The Huskies now improve their record to 7-1, while Illinois falls to 6-3.

UConn entered the game with a home record of 6-1 and an overall record of 8-2 in their last ten games, riding a one-game winning streak. They averaged 79.1 points scored per game while allowing 61.1 points. Their recent performance included a solid win against the Bryant Bulldogs with a score of 72-49 just days prior to this game. In contrast, Illinois came into the contest with a record of 6-2, also having won their last two games, including an impressive 87-73 victory over UT Rio Grande Valley. The Fighting Illini averaged 92.1 points scored and allowed 75.0 points in their last ten games.

Both teams had shown strong offensive capabilities leading into this matchup, but UConn's defense proved to be the difference maker. The Huskies' home record was bolstered by their ability to limit opponents to an average of 62.6 points in their last five games, while Illinois struggled defensively, allowing an average of 72.6 points in their last five outings.

The game was marked by a series of scoring plays that highlighted UConn's ability to maintain control. Key contributions came from Malachi Smith, who made crucial three-point shots and free throws in the second half, helping UConn extend their lead. UConn's scoring runs were complemented by their solid defensive efforts, which stifled Illinois's attempts to mount a comeback.

In terms of injuries, no specific players were mentioned in the block, indicating that both teams likely fielded their strongest lineups for this important game. The matchup was also notable for being held at a neutral site, which added an element of excitement and intensity, typical of high-stakes college basketball.

Betting lines from DraftKings indicated UConn as 4.5-point favorites, with a total set at 150.5. This reflected the expectations for a competitive game, though UConn's performance ultimately exceeded those expectations.

As the game progressed, viewers were treated to a display of skill and strategy, particularly from UConn, who effectively utilized their home-court advantage at Madison Square Garden. The atmosphere was electric, and the Huskies' ability to execute under pressure was on full display.

In conclusion, UConn's 74-61 victory over Illinois not only showcased their current form but also highlighted their potential as a formidable team in the NCAAB landscape this season.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	CONN -4.5	150.5 o -108 / u -112	Illinois Fighting Illini — · UConn Huskies —

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

PointsSolo Ball15UConn Huskies
AssistsMalachi Smith9UConn Huskies
ReboundsAlex Karaban9UConn Huskies
PointsKylan Boswell25Illinois Fighting Illini
AssistsKylan Boswell3Illinois Fighting Illini
ReboundsTomislav Ivisic10Illinois Fighting Illini

Recent form

UConn Huskies

Last 10: 8-2Streak W179.1 scored · 61.1 allowed per game8-1 at home

W72-49vs Bryant BulldogsNov 23
L67-71vs Arizona WildcatsNov 20
W86-84vs BYU CougarsNov 16
W89-62vs Columbia LionsNov 10
W110-47vs UMass Lowell River HawksNov 8
W79-55vs New Haven ChargersNov 4
L62-71at Creighton BluejaysMar 15
W73-56vs Villanova WildcatsMar 14
W81-50vs Seton Hall PiratesMar 8
W72-66vs Marquette Golden EaglesMar 6

Illinois Fighting Illini

Last 10: 8-2Streak W292.1 scored · 75 allowed per game0-1 away

W87-73vs UT Rio Grande Valley VaquerosNov 25
W98-58vs Long Island University SharksNov 22
L86-90vs Alabama Crimson TideNov 20
W84-65vs Colgate RaidersNov 15
W81-77vs Texas Tech Red RaidersNov 12
W113-70vs Florida Gulf Coast EaglesNov 8
W113-55vs Jackson State TigersNov 4
L65-88at Maryland TerrapinsMar 14
W106-94vs Iowa HawkeyesMar 13
W88-80vs Purdue BoilermakersMar 8

Standings

Team	Overall	Games behind	In conference
Michigan	37-3	-	19-1
Nebraska	28-7	4	15-5
Michigan State	27-8	4	15-5
Illinois	28-9	4	15-5
Wisconsin	24-11	5	14-6
Purdue	30-9	6	13-7
UCLA	24-12	6	13-7
Ohio State	21-13	7	12-8
Iowa	24-13	9	10-10
Indiana	18-14	10	9-11
Minnesota	15-18	11	8-12
USC	18-14	12	7-13
Washington	16-17	12	7-13
Rutgers	14-20	13	6-14
Northwestern	15-19	14	5-15
Oregon	12-20	14	5-15
Maryland	12-21	15	4-16
Penn State	12-20	16	3-17
St. John's	30-7	-	18-2
UConn	34-6	1	17-3
Villanova	24-9	3	15-5
Seton Hall	21-12	8	10-10
Creighton	16-18	9	9-11
DePaul	16-16	10	8-12
Butler	16-16	11	7-13
Providence	15-18	11	7-13
Marquette	12-20	11	7-13
Georgetown	16-18	12	6-14
Xavier	15-18	12	6-14

Box score

Stat	Illinois Fighting Illini	UConn Huskies
Field goals	19-60	26-63
Field goal %	32	41
Three-pointers	6-29	10-28
Three-point %	21	36
Free throws	17-18	12-17
Free throw %	94	71
Rebounds	38	43
Offensive rebounds	13	14
Defensive rebounds	25	29
Assists	10	19
Steals	3	7
Blocks	5	7
Turnovers	10	10
Team turnovers	0	1
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	10	9
Fast-break points	9	6
Points in the paint	24	24
Fouls	17	19
Largest lead	0	21

How the scoring went

1st Half30-41Kylan Boswell made Layup.
1st Half32-41Kylan Boswell made Layup.
1st Half32-43Dwayne Koroma made Dunk. Assisted by Malachi Smith.
2nd Half33-43Kylan Boswell made Free Throw.
2nd Half34-43Kylan Boswell made Free Throw.
2nd Half34-45Solo Ball made Layup. Assisted by Malachi Smith.
2nd Half35-45David Mirkovic made Free Throw.
2nd Half36-45David Mirkovic made Free Throw.
2nd Half36-46Tarris Reed Jr. made Free Throw.
2nd Half37-46Zvonimir Ivisic made Free Throw.
2nd Half38-46Zvonimir Ivisic made Free Throw.
2nd Half38-48Alex Karaban made Layup. Assisted by Malachi Smith.
2nd Half38-50Alex Karaban made Layup. Assisted by Malachi Smith.
2nd Half38-52Eric Reibe made Layup. Assisted by Alex Karaban.
2nd Half39-52Kylan Boswell made Free Throw.
2nd Half40-52Kylan Boswell made Free Throw.
2nd Half40-54Eric Reibe made Two Point Tip Shot.
2nd Half40-57Jayden Ross made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Malachi Smith.
2nd Half43-57Kylan Boswell made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Andrej Stojakovic.
2nd Half43-60Malachi Smith made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Eric Reibe.
2nd Half43-62Braylon Mullins made Jumper. Assisted by Malachi Smith.
2nd Half43-64Eric Reibe made Jumper. Assisted by Malachi Smith.
2nd Half45-64Kylan Boswell made Layup.
2nd Half46-64Kylan Boswell made Free Throw.
2nd Half47-64Tomislav Ivisic made Free Throw.
2nd Half48-64Tomislav Ivisic made Free Throw.
2nd Half49-64Tomislav Ivisic made Free Throw.
2nd Half50-64Tomislav Ivisic made Free Throw.
2nd Half52-64Kylan Boswell made Layup.
2nd Half54-64Tomislav Ivisic made Jumper.
2nd Half54-66Eric Reibe made Layup. Assisted by Alex Karaban.
2nd Half56-66Mihailo Petrovic made Jumper.
2nd Half59-66Tomislav Ivisic made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Kylan Boswell.
2nd Half59-69Malachi Smith made Three Point Jumper.
2nd Half59-70Malachi Smith made Free Throw.
2nd Half59-72Jayden Ross made Layup. Assisted by Alex Karaban.
2nd Half60-72Ben Humrichous made Free Throw.
2nd Half61-72Ben Humrichous made Free Throw.
2nd Half61-73Malachi Smith made Free Throw.
2nd Half61-74Malachi Smith made Free Throw.