INDIANAPOLIS, IN (Chambana Today) — The Illinois Fighting Illini men’s basketball are back on college basketball’s biggest stage.
For the first time since 2005, Illinois has advanced to the Final Four and will face the UConn Huskies men’s basketball in Saturday’s national semifinal at Lucas Oil Stadium. Tipoff is set for 5:09 p.m. CT.
The Illini (28-8), a No. 3 seed, have surged through the NCAA Tournament with a combination of high-powered offense and stifling defense. Illinois has won its four tournament games by an average margin of nearly 20 points, including victories over Houston in the Sweet 16 and Big Ten rival Iowa in the Elite Eight.
“This group has really found its rhythm at the right time,” head coach Brad Underwood said. “They’re connected on both ends of the floor, and that’s what it takes to get to this point.”
Illinois’ postseason run has been fueled by a balanced attack led by freshman guard Keaton Wagler, who is averaging 17.5 points per game in the tournament and was named the South Region’s Most Outstanding Player. Fellow contributors Andrej Stojakovic and David Mirkovic have provided consistent scoring, while center Tomislav Ivisic has stretched defenses with his outside shooting.
The Illini defense has been equally impressive, holding three straight opponents under 60 points — a key factor in their return to the Final Four.
Standing in their way is a formidable UConn team (33-5) that has had Illinois’ number in recent years. The Huskies lead the all-time series 4-1 and defeated the Illini earlier this season, as well as in the 2024 NCAA Tournament.
Saturday’s matchup marks Illinois’ sixth Final Four appearance, but the program is still seeking its first national championship. The Illini are 1-4 all-time in national semifinal games, with their lone win coming during the 2005 run that ended as national runner-up.
Despite the history, this year’s team enters with confidence — and momentum.
Illinois is one of the hottest teams in the country, boasting an 8-2 record across its last three NCAA Tournaments and establishing itself once again among the nation’s elite under Underwood.
The winner of Saturday’s semifinal will advance to Monday night’s national championship game to face either the Arizona Wildcats men’s basketball or the Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball.
