The two lower-ranked teams in the Final Four take on one another on Saturday as the No. 2 UConn Huskies face the No. 3 Illinois Fighting Illini in the NCAA Tournament semifinal. UConn will be coming in with more motivation after its women’s team failed to head to the women’s National Championship Game. At the same time, Illinois seeks to make program history by heading to the final for the first time since losing to North Carolina in 2005.
While UConn has won the Natty twice, both under Dan Hurley, Illinois has yet to win the big one. While the Huskies are motivated by avenging the women’s team’s defeat at the hands of South Carolina, the Fighting Illini are looking to make history by winning the national championship. However, only one team can win this showdown.
UConn vs. Illinois Final Four Projected Starting Lineups
UConn Huskies
- F Alex Karaban
- C Tarris Reed Jr.
- G Braylon Mullins
- G Silas Demary Jr.
- G Solo Ball
Illinois Fighting Illini
- F David Mirkovic
- F Jake Davis
- C Tomislav Ivisic
- G Keaton Wagler
- G Kylan Boswell
UConn and Illinois are both fielding balanced starting lineups, though the Huskies have better talent in their frontline, but Illinois may have better guards. Braylo0n Mullins is back for the Huskies after his dagger eliminated the No. 1 Duke Blue Devils, while Wagler and Boswell may be in for another double-digit outing after the two Illinois guards showcased their dominance over Iowa.
UConn vs. Illinois Final Four Injury Report
UConn Huskies
- No injuries reported, to have full rotation
Illinois Fighting Illini
- F Toni Bilic: Out, undisclosed
- C Jason Jakstys: Out, undisclosed
- G Ty Rodgers: Out, knee
Toni Bilic will once again be out for undisclosed reasons, though he is reportedly already practicing with the team. Also out is redshirt freshman Jason Jakstys and guard Ty Rodgers, Meanwhile, UConn will once again be fully healthy, just like their game against Duke.
UConn vs. Illinois Final Four Prediction
The Fighting Illini have been a very surprising team so far, with their international players helping boost the team. Meanwhile, UConn has been very dominant while also managing to be scrappy against the higher-seeded Duke. This one should be close, but Dan Hurley has been here before, so the experience from the Huskies should edge out their opponents.
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