UConn Defeats Illinois in NCAAB Showdown
Saturday, April 4, 2026, 6:09 PM ET · Lucas Oil Stadium
UConn Huskies 71, Illinois Fighting Illini 62, 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 71-62 at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 4, 2026.
Who was favored in Illinois Fighting Illini vs UConn Huskies?
Illinois Fighting Illini were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -130 (about 57% implied). The underdog won.
In a decisive matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium, the UConn Huskies triumphed over the Illinois Fighting Illini with a final score of 71-62. This victory marks UConn's continued strength in the NCAAB landscape, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. The Huskies concluded their season with a home record of 34-5, while Illinois finished with an away record of 28-9.
UConn entered the game with a mixed recent form, having a record of 7-3 in their last ten games. Their scoring average during this stretch was 73.3 points per game, while they allowed an average of 66.5 points. Despite a recent loss to St. John's Red Storm, they managed to secure significant wins against teams like Georgetown Hoyas and Xavier Musketeers. However, they faced a setback with a loss against Marquette Golden Eagles, which highlighted some vulnerabilities in their gameplay.
On the other hand, Illinois struggled with consistency, posting a record of 5-5 in their last ten games. They averaged a remarkable 83.8 points per game but also allowed 73.3 points, indicating a tendency towards high-scoring affairs. Their recent form included a loss to Wisconsin Badgers, which added to their challenges heading into this game. The Fighting Illini had previously shown their capability to score heavily, but their defensive lapses were evident in their last few outings.
Historically, UConn has had the upper hand against Illinois, winning their only previous meeting this season on November 28, 2025, with a score of 74-61. This prior victory likely contributed to UConn's confidence heading into this matchup.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any significant player absences for either team, suggesting both sides were at full strength for this crucial game.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Illinois favored by 1.5 points, with a total set at 139.5. This indicates that the odds-makers anticipated a closely contested game, reflecting the competitive nature of both squads.
Game conditions were optimal for basketball, with no adverse weather factors affecting play. Fans in attendance were treated to a thrilling contest, with UConn ultimately asserting their dominance in the second half. Key scoring plays included a driving layup by Keaton Wagler and a crucial three-point jumper by Braylon Mullins, which helped UConn maintain their lead as the game progressed.
As the game unfolded, UConn's ability to convert free throws in the final moments proved pivotal, with Tarris Reed Jr. contributing to the scoreline with two successful free throws that sealed the victory.
Overall, this matchup highlighted UConn's defensive prowess and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, while Illinois will need to address their defensive strategies moving forward. The final score of 71-62 not only reflects UConn's strength but also sets the stage for their future endeavors in the tournament.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | ILL -1.5 | 139.5 o -108 / u -112 | Illinois Fighting Illini -130 · UConn Huskies +110 |
Leaders
- PointsTarris Reed Jr.17UConn Huskies
- AssistsSilas Demary Jr.7UConn Huskies
- ReboundsTarris Reed Jr.11UConn Huskies
- PointsKeaton Wagler20Illinois Fighting Illini
- AssistsKeaton Wagler2Illinois Fighting Illini
- ReboundsKeaton Wagler8Illinois Fighting Illini
Recent form
UConn Huskies
Last 10: 7-3Streak L173.3 scored · 66.5 allowed per game5-1 at home
- L52-72at St. John's Red StormMar 14
- W67-51vs Georgetown HoyasMar 14
- W93-68vs Xavier MusketeersMar 12
- L62-68at Marquette Golden EaglesMar 7
- W71-67vs Seton Hall PiratesFeb 28
- W72-40vs St. John's Red StormFeb 26
- W73-63at Villanova WildcatsFeb 21
- L84-91vs Creighton BluejaysFeb 19
- W79-75vs Georgetown HoyasFeb 15
- W80-70at Butler BulldogsFeb 12
Illinois Fighting Illini
Last 10: 5-5Streak L183.8 scored · 73.3 allowed per game2-2 away
- L88-91vs Wisconsin BadgersMar 13
- W78-72at Maryland TerrapinsMar 8
- W80-54vs Oregon DucksMar 4
- L70-84vs Michigan WolverinesFeb 28
- L94-95at UCLA BruinsFeb 22
- W101-65at USC TrojansFeb 19
- W71-51vs Indiana HoosiersFeb 15
- L90-92vs Wisconsin BadgersFeb 11
- L82-85at Michigan State SpartansFeb 8
- W84-44vs Northwestern WildcatsFeb 5
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 | 19-56 | 22-62 |
| Field goal % | 34 | 35 |
| Three-pointers | 6-26 | 12-33 |
| Three-point % | 23 | 36 |
| Free throws | 18-23 | 15-17 |
| Free throw % | 78 | 88 |
| Rebounds | 44 | 37 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 32 | 27 |
| Assists | 3 | 14 |
| Steals | 2 | 6 |
| Blocks | 6 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 8 | 4 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 4 | 8 |
| Fast-break points | 0 | 5 |
| Points in the paint | 22 | 20 |
| Fouls | 17 | 21 |
| Largest lead | 1 | 14 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 8 | 88 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half30-39Keaton Wagler makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half31-39Keaton Wagler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half31-42Silas Demary Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half33-42Keaton Wagler makes 7-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half33-43Alex Karaban makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half33-44Alex Karaban makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half36-44David Mirkovic makes 25-foot three point jumper (Keaton Wagler assists)
- 2nd Half36-47Solo Ball makes 27-foot three point jumper (Silas Demary Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half36-48Alex Karaban makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half36-49Alex Karaban makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half38-49Andrej Stojakovic makes driving layup
- 2nd Half40-49Tomislav Ivisic makes 9-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half40-52Solo Ball makes 28-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half41-52Jake Davis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half42-52Jake Davis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half42-54Solo Ball makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half43-54Keaton Wagler makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-57Jaylin Stewart makes 26-foot three point jumper (Solo Ball assists)
- 2nd Half45-57Tomislav Ivisic makes 6-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half46-57Kylan Boswell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-57Kylan Boswell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-57Tomislav Ivisic makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-57Tomislav Ivisic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-57Tomislav Ivisic makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-57Tomislav Ivisic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-57Andrej Stojakovic makes layup
- 2nd Half53-59Tarris Reed Jr. makes layup (Alex Karaban assists)
- 2nd Half53-61Solo Ball makes 3-foot dunk (Alex Karaban assists)
- 2nd Half56-61Ben Humrichous makes 26-foot three point jumper (Andrej Stojakovic assists)
- 2nd Half56-63Tarris Reed Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-62Tarris Reed Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-63David Mirkovic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-63Keaton Wagler makes driving layup
- 2nd Half59-66Braylon Mullins makes 25-foot three point jumper (Silas Demary Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half62-66Keaton Wagler makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half62-67Silas Demary Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-68Silas Demary Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-69Jayden Ross makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-70Tarris Reed Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-71Tarris Reed Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours UConn Huskies, below favours Illinois Fighting Illini.
Venue
- Lucas Oil StadiumIndianapolis, IN
- Attendance72111
- OfficialsRon Groover, Paul Szelc, Marques Pettigrew
Elsewhere
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond
- All-SEC F Mitchell reenrolls at Missouri, avoids transfer battle
- Duke's Coach K Court to have sponsorship logo for first time
- Sankey, SEC 'prepared to contest' judge's order in Louisiana