https://writingillini.com/illinois-was-up-against-these-impossible-odds-and-nearly-pulled-it-offWriting IllinienIllinois was up against these impossible odds, and nearly pulled it offIllinois Fighting Illini,Brad Underwood,College basketball2026-04-05T15:55:00Z2026-04-05T15:55:00Zhttps://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_6611,h_3718,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_2880,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/140/01knf33ym1smtjzkj7r0.jpgUConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley gets after his team with Illinois guard Keaton Wagler in the foreground during a Final Four game against the Fighting Illini.https://writingillini.com/dave-portnoy-both-left-handed-congratulated-and-trolled-illinois-at-the-same-timeWriting IllinienDave Portnoy both left-handed congratulated and trolled Illinois at the same timeIllinois Fighting Illini,Illinois basketball,college basketball,Dave Portnoy,Michigan Wolverines2026-04-05T15:15:19Z2026-04-05T15:15:19Zhttps://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4354,h_2449,x_0,y_60/c_fill,w_2880,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/140/01knf2bbch59t32cp2th.jpgApr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic (13) reacts after losing to the Connecticut Huskies during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Imageshttps://writingillini.com/despite-heartbreaking-loss-keaton-wagler-still-managed-to-make-history-vs-uconnWriting IllinienDespite heartbreaking loss, Keaton Wagler still managed to make history vs. UConnIllinois Fighting Illini,College basketball,Keaton Wagler2026-04-05T15:15:00Z2026-04-05T15:15:00Zhttps://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4649,h_2615,x_0,y_288/c_fill,w_2880,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/140/01knf242gwb2hksjzqsb.jpgApr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini Keaton Wagler (23) dribbles the ball against UConn Huskies Silas Demary Jr. (2) during the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.https://writingillini.com/brad-underwood-s-toughest-offseason-recruiting-effort-may-have-started-in-the-postgame-presserWriting IllinienBrad Underwood's toughest offseason recruiting effort may have started in the postgame presserAndrej Stojakovic,Brad Underwood,college basketball,Illinois Fighting Illini,Illinois basketball2026-04-05T13:30:09Z2026-04-05T13:30:09Zhttps://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_2912,h_1638,x_0,y_13/c_fill,w_2880,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/140/01knex65v5jx2awvx1mj.jpgIllinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) https://writingillini.com/illinois-basketball-has-the-perfect-transfer-portal-option-to-replace-keaton-waglerWriting IllinienIllinois basketball has the perfect transfer portal option to replace Keaton Waglerillinois basketball,transfer portal,Jasper Johnson,Illinois fighting illini,college basketball2026-04-05T12:41:42Z2026-04-05T12:41:42Zhttps://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_2700,h_1518,x_0,y_54/c_fill,w_2880,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/140/01kneths7cnnweqbryrz.jpgFeb 24, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jasper Johnson (2) drives around South Carolina Gamecocks guard Meechie Johnson (5) during the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Imageshttps://writingillini.com/5-interesting-brad-underwood-quotes-from-the-illinois-basketball-loss-to-uconnWriting Illinien5 interesting Brad Underwood quotes from the Illinois basketball loss to UConnillinois basketball,Brad Underwood,Illinois fighting illini,college basketball2026-04-05T12:08:15Z2026-04-05T12:10:23Zhttps://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4977,h_2799,x_0,y_243/c_fill,w_2880,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/140/01knermyn8z5aey86ehg.jpgApr 2, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois head coach Brad Underwood during a press conference ahead of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Imageshttps://writingillini.com/illinois-basketball-has-proof-of-concept-despite-tough-loss-to-uconnWriting IllinienIllinois basketball has proof of concept despite tough loss to UConnillinois basketball,Brad Underwood,Illinois fighting illini,college basketball2026-04-05T11:22:52Z2026-04-05T11:25:02Zhttps://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_5067,h_2850,x_0,y_664/c_fill,w_2880,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/140/01knep13dnpw3mjsdcg0.jpgFans cheer for Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood as he leaves the court following practice ahead of a Final Four game on Friday, April 3, 2026, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.https://writingillini.com/illinois-s-final-trip-to-the-locker-room-is-heartbreaking-for-illini-fansWriting IllinienIllinois's final trip to the locker room is heartbreaking for Illini fansIllinois Fighting Illini,Illinois basketball,college basketball,Keaton Wagler,Brad Underwood2026-04-05T02:08:12Z2026-04-05T02:08:12Zhttps://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_3271,h_1839,x_0,y_152/c_fill,w_2880,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/140/01kndjmb69vm5n5xnavc.jpgApr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini players react from the bench against the Connecticut Huskies in the second half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Imageshttps://writingillini.com/uconn-curse-on-illinois-basketball-looks-to-be-deeper-than-first-thoughtWriting IllinienUConn curse on Illinois basketball looks to be deeper than first thoughtillinois basketball,Brad Underwood,ncaa tournament,Final Four,Illinois fighting illini,college basketball2026-04-05T01:57:38Z2026-04-05T01:57:38Zhttps://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4227,h_2377,x_0,y_132/c_fill,w_2880,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/140/01kndnpqc452ps82vrh1.jpgApr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts after a play against the UConn Huskies during the first half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Imageshttps://writingillini.com/brad-underwood-sent-the-perfect-postgame-final-four-message-to-illini-fansWriting IllinienBrad Underwood sent the perfect postgame Final four message to Illini fansBrad Underwood,Illinois Fighting Illini,Illinois basketball,college basketball2026-04-05T01:52:02Z2026-04-05T01:52:02Zhttps://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_2191,h_1232,x_0,y_121/c_fill,w_2880,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/140/01kndnbthnv9hpegfrtt.jpgIllinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwoodhttps://writingillini.com/illinois-basketball-fell-to-dan-hurley-s-uconn-squad-due-to-one-crucial-statWriting IllinienIllinois basketball fell to Dan Hurley's UConn squad due to one crucial statillinois basketball,ncaa tournament,Illinois fighting illini,college basketball,Final Four2026-04-05T01:24:51Z2026-04-05T01:25:42Zhttps://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_2150,h_1209,x_0,y_53/c_fill,w_2880,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/140/01kndktgzv562fsd6d78.jpgApr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) goes to the basket against UConn Huskies guard Silas Demary Jr. (2) in the second half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Imageshttps://writingillini.com/dan-hurley-used-illinois-s-biggest-advantage-against-brad-underwood-in-the-final-fourWriting IllinienDan Hurley used Illinois’s biggest advantage against Brad Underwood in the Final FourBrad Underwood,Illinois Fighting Illini,Illinois basketball,college basketball2026-04-05T01:09:50Z2026-04-05T01:09:50Zhttps://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_1658,h_932,x_0,y_76/c_fill,w_2880,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/140/01kndjvzx1eresdr86gc.jpgUConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurleyhttps://writingillini.com/5-sad-observations-from-the-illinois-basketball-loss-to-uconn-in-the-final-fourWriting Illinien5 sad observations from the Illinois basketball loss to UConn in the Final Fourillinois basketball,Illinois fighting illini,college basketball,NCAA tournament,Final Four2026-04-05T00:56:23Z2026-04-05T01:00:46Zhttps://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_3904,h_2196,x_0,y_96/c_fill,w_2880,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/140/01kndj6maxnc9p57mn25.jpgApr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic (13) reacts after losing to the Connecticut Huskies during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Imageshttps://writingillini.com/dan-hurley-trolls-illinois-fans-weak-move-right-after-uconn-final-four-winWriting IllinienDan Hurley trolls Illinois fans in weak move right after UConn's Final Four winDan Hurley,Final Four,Brad Underwood,Illinois basketball,college basketball 2026-04-05T00:53:36Z2026-04-05T00:58:28Zhttps://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_1622,h_912,x_0,y_30/c_fill,w_2880,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/140/01kndh4brpm4gznzsmja.jpgApr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley celebrates after defeating the Illinois Fighting Illini in a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Imageshttps://writingillini.com/remarkable-stats-proves-dan-hurley-is-officially-a-thorn-in-brad-underwood-s-sideWriting IllinienRemarkable stats proves Dan Hurley is officially a thorn in Brad Underwood's sideIllinois Fighting Illini,Illinois basketball,college basketball,Brad Underwood,Dan Hurley2026-04-05T00:49:26Z2026-04-05T00:49:26Zhttps://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4002,h_2251,x_0,y_136/c_fill,w_2880,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/140/01kndgpfcyrhr5ysab18.jpgApr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts after a play against the UConn Huskies during the first half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Imageshttps://writingillini.com/illinois-fans-fume-as-viral-clip-from-official-march-madness-account-shows-blatant-foulWriting IllinienIllinois fans fume as viral clip from official March Madness account shows blatant foulIllinois Fighting Illini,Keaton Wagler,College basketball2026-04-04T23:46:51Z2026-04-04T23:46:51Zhttps://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_1924,h_1082,x_722,y_289/c_fill,w_2880,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/140/01knddjrggfrbb4g2a70.jpgApr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) loses his footing against UConn Huskies guard Silas Demary Jr. (2) in the second half during a semifinal of the Final Four.https://writingillini.com/illinois-fans-are-losing-faith-with-dan-hurley-coaching-circles-around-brad-underwoodWriting IllinienIllinois fans are losing faith with Dan Hurley coaching circles around Brad UnderwoodIllinois Fighting Illini,Illinois basketball,college basketball,Brad Underwood,Dan Hurley2026-04-04T23:26:46Z2026-04-04T23:26:46Zhttps://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4308,h_2423,x_0,y_76/c_fill,w_2880,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/140/01kndc5epbnemzzyg0md.jpgApr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts after a play against the UConn Huskies during the first half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Imageshttps://writingillini.com/jon-scheyer-recruitment-photo-proves-duke-didnt-belong-in-final-four-with-illinoisWriting IllinienA Jon Scheyer recruitment photo proves Duke didn't belong in Final Four with IllinoisIllinois Fighting Illini,Brad Underwood,Final Four,College basketball2026-04-04T23:15:00Z2026-04-04T23:15:00Zhttps://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_2850,h_1603,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_2880,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/140/01knday7dqtybyee8h4d.jpgMar 29, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer looks on against the UConn Huskies in the first half during the Elite Eight.https://writingillini.com/charles-barkley-s-bold-illinois-uconn-final-four-prediction-will-have-illini-fans-oozing-confidenceWriting IllinienCharles Barkley’s bold Illinois/UConn Final Four prediction will have Illini fans oozing confidenceIllinois basketball,Illinois Fighting Illini,Brad Underwood,college basketball2026-04-04T22:12:26Z2026-04-04T22:19:30Zhttps://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4082,h_2296,x_0,y_411/c_fill,w_2880,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/140/01knd8shvkf7z79zbjak.jpgCharles Barkleyhttps://writingillini.com/brad-underwood-reveals-the-difference-in-illinois-s-uconn-rematch-and-it-s-not-keaton-waglerWriting IllinienBrad Underwood reveals the difference in Illinois's UConn rematch, and it's not Keaton WaglerIllinois Fighting Illni,Illinois basketball,college basketball,Brad Underwood,NCAA Tournament,Keaton Wagler2026-04-04T22:02:18Z2026-04-04T22:02:18Zhttps://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_6239,h_3509,x_0,y_431/c_fill,w_2880,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/140/01knd6w1cs9zh3fp4j5r.jpgMar 28, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) speaks in a press conference after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Imageshttps://writingillini.com/3-numbers-that-could-expose-illinois-basketball-against-uconn-in-the-final-fourWriting Illinien3 numbers that could expose Illinois basketball against UConn in the Final Fourillinois basketball,Illinois fighting illini,college basketball,NCAA tournament,Final Four2026-04-04T12:18:38Z2026-04-04T12:21:02Zhttps://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_3615,h_2033,x_0,y_88/c_fill,w_2880,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/140/01knc6v38zzgvpp2q36n.jpgNov 28, 2025; New York, New York, USA; UConn Huskies guard Solo Ball (1) and Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) fight for the ball in the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Imageshttps://writingillini.com/3-numbers-that-could-expose-uconn-against-illinois-basketball-in-the-final-fourWriting Illinien3 numbers that could expose UConn against Illinois basketball in the Final Fourillinois basketball,Illinois fighting illini,college basketball,ncaa tournament,Final Four2026-04-04T11:54:35Z2026-04-04T11:56:10Zhttps://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4817,h_2709,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_2880,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/140/01knc5edy25jccxyxp3h.jpgNov 28, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) collides with UConn Huskies guard Malachi Smith (0) in the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Imageshttps://writingillini.com/top-illinois-basketball-recruit-took-in-the-sights-and-sounds-of-champaignWriting IllinienTop Illinois basketball recruit took in the sights and sounds of ChampaignQuentin Coleman,Brad Underwood,illinois basketball,Illinois fighting illini,college basketball,illinois basketball recruiting2026-04-02T10:12:44Z2026-04-04T11:55:23Zhttps://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_5083,h_2859,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_2880,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/140/01kn4h9fgk7xmtg8cbcn.jpgJuly 19, 2025; North Augusta, South Carolina, USA; Brad Beal Elite Quentin Coleman (1) gestures to a teammate as Team Durant Evans Barning Jr. (7) defends during the Brad Beal Elite and Team Durant game at the Nike EYBL Peach Jam at Riverview Park Activity Center. Brad Beal Elite won 91-59. Mandatory Credit: Katie Goodale - Augusta Chronicle/USA TODAY NETWORKhttps://writingillini.com/illinois-basketball-vs-uconn-betting-lines-show-a-nail-biting-final-fourWriting IllinienIllinois basketball vs UConn betting lines show a nail-biting Final Fourillinois basketball,Illinois fighting illini,college basketball,ncaa tournament,Final Four,betting2026-04-04T11:10:07Z2026-04-04T11:10:07Zhttps://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_7040,h_3960,x_0,y_281/c_fill,w_2880,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/140/01knc2wzk21yt72hpbqm.jpgApr 3, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) shoots the ball against Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) during a practice session ahead of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Imageshttps://writingillini.com/projected-illinois-basketball-lineup-with-the-addition-of-quentin-colemanWriting IllinienProjected Illinois basketball lineup with the addition of Quentin Colemanillinois basketball,Illinois fighting illini,college basketball,quentin coleman2026-04-03T21:24:59Z2026-04-03T21:26:50Zhttps://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_2831,h_1592,x_0,y_94/c_fill,w_2880,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/140/01knakpgrqge25wksp3h.jpgApr 3, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood directs players during a practice session ahead of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Imageshttps://writingillini.com/brad-underwood-continues-to-strike-gold-with-huge-illinois-basketball-commitmentWriting IllinienBrad Underwood continues to strike gold with huge Illinois basketball commitmentillinois basketball,class of 2026,Quentin Coleman,Illinois fighting illini,college basketball2026-04-03T20:17:52Z2026-04-03T20:17:52Zhttps://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_1080,h_607,x_0,y_134/c_fill,w_2880,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/140/01knafv69tq8zt6zczp8.jpgPrincipia Panthers guard Quentin Coleman (11) goes for a lay up during a City of Palms Classic semifinal game against the Paul VI Panthers at Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers, Fla., on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025.