The Illinois season ended just one game shy of the National Championship as the Fighting Illini fell to UConn 71-62. In a game where it felt like Illinois just couldn't get anything going offensively, UConn head coach Dan Hurley just handed Brad Underwood his second loss to the Huskies this season.
It was clear that Hurley had the plan of stifling Illinois' offense in any possible and it was executed to perfection as the Fighting Illini scored under 65 points for just the second time this season. When was the last time they scored under 65 points this season?
UConn, November 28.
The only two times Illinois didn't hit 65 points this season came against UConn: Nov. 28 and tonight. https://t.co/3dgmNhr53L
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) April 5, 2026
This stat goes even futher though than this season as the last three times Illinois has scored this many points or fewer in a game, has been against UConn.
WILD stat from ESPN Research ..
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) April 5, 2026
Illinois' fewest points in a game over the last three seasons:
52 points: 2024 Elite Eight vs. UConn
61 points: Nov. 28, 2025 vs. UConn
62 points: 2026 Final Four vs. UConn
Dan Hurley continues to be Brad Underwood's white whale after Final Four loss
In the first half, Illinois fans were livid with Underwood and the way he was coaching against Hurley in a Final Four matchup. It just seemed like Underwood showed no aggression with his choice of offense for Illinois, and the ball certainly wasn't being shared enough, as the Fighting Illini had just one assist at halftime, and finished the game with only three.
While some may want to complain about the way the game was officiated, in the end, Illinois simply couldn't hit the shots needed to win the game. There was no movement of the ball, and instead of trying to make a shot, at times, players were more worried about trying to draw a foul.
Hurley has lots of experience in this position of coaching in a Final Four game, and it showed, while Underwood was clearly overmatched in the coaching department. Hurley continues to be a thorn in Underwood's side, and hopefully someday he will be able to take down the great UConn coach.
Illinois certainly had a magical season, and a Final Four trip is nothing to scoff at, but it hurts just a little more knowing how close this team was to hoisting a National Championship trophy for the first time in program history.