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INDANAPOLIS – The Illini’s first Final Four appearance in more than 20 years came to an abrupt halt Saturday night in Indianapolis up against UConn.
Illinois’ shooting struggles proved to be too much to overcome as UConn would build up a 14-point lead, eventually winning 71-62.
“We were getting the shots we wanted, they just weren’t falling,” Illini guard Keaton Wagler said.
Illinois shot just 34% from the field and went 6 of 26 from three-point range in the loss.
“Shots that we usually make didn’t fall, and that’s it,” added freshman forward David Mirkovic.
Senior guard and Champaign, Illinois, native Kylan Boswell struggled to find his touch, finishing with six points and only knocking down one shot.
“I couldn’t get a layup to drop today, and our threes weren’t falling,” Boswell said.
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Illinois made a late push in the second half, going on a 10–0 run to cut UConn’s lead to four points. However, the experienced Huskies team responded pulling away down the stretch.
“We just needed to get stops, especially late,” Wagler said. “We gave up an offensive rebound that led to a three, and that’s kind of what killed us.”
UConn will now play for a national championship against Michigan, seeking its third title in the past four seasons.
Despite the loss, this Illini team will be remembered as one of six Fighting Illini teams to make it to the final four. Led by a star freshman, hometown kid and a handful of European talent, next year’s roster will look different, but several players are eligible to return.
“I just hope we can do it all over again with the same guys and the same staff,” Illini center Zvonimir Ivišić said.
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