The Illinois Fighting Illini were favored over the UConn Huskies off the bat, earning a 2.5-point edge as soon as the opening odds were released.
However, the Illini and head coach Brad Underwood aren't taking it for granted as they enter the Final Four (for the first time in Underwood's career and the first time in over two decades for the program).
One of the latest updates on UConn guard Solo Ball, who has been battling a wrist injury throughout the season, just gave Illinois yet another leg up on the Huskies.
Ball's shooting has tanked while battling this injury, wearing heavy taping on the wrist, and minimizing the in-game shots he has taken in the first place. Against Duke in the Elite Eight, Ball went 0-for-5 from deep and 3-for-11 from the field.
Solo Ball's bad shooting could hand Illinois the win
If the Fighting Illini can key in on how to keep the ball in Ball's hands, forcing him to take most of the shots for UConn (most of which he will miss based on recent stats), Illinois could virtually shut down the Huskies' offensive opportunities.
Now, this isn't to say that Ball will be entirely a non-factor, because he is an elite guard and has incredible court vision, creating plays for the other four Huskies in the game.
However, UConn head coach Dan Hurley keeping Ball on the court, even with his poor shooting performances, undeniably lends its hand to the Illini.
Solo Ball's shooting percentages 2024-25 compared to 2025-26
Solo Ball's shooting | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
Unguarded 3-pointers | 50% | 36% |
Guarded 3-pointers | 33% | 22% |
Pull-up 3-pointers | 43% | 29% |
Whether it's an unguarded or guarded catch-and-shoot three-point shot, Ball's performances have dropped more than 11 percentage points. On pull-up three-point shots, his output has dropped a resounding 14 percentage points, bringing it close to just 1-in-4 attempts.
Also read: Brad Underwood's Keaton Wagler pickup may have been the steal of the entire NIL era
Simply put, Ball's shooting has been a burden instead of a benefit for UConn's offense, and if Illinois can continuously force the first shot of the Huskies' possessions to come out of Ball's hands, the Fighting Illini stand an even greater chance of pulling off the win.