Preview: #4 UConn vs #11 Illinois

CHAMPAIGN - The last time Illinois (6-1) and UConn (5-1) matched up on a neutral floor, it was quite an ugly one for Illini fans. The Huskies trounced the Illini 77-52 in the 2024 East Regional Final where UConn went on a 30-0 run. This game could potentially swing that direction if the Illinois defense does not show up to Madison Square Garden on Friday. The Huskies have faced a couple of tests thus far in a win against #8 BYU and a loss against #3 Arizona while missing two key players. The Illini are battle tested as well after beating #19 Texas Tech at home and falling to #10 Alabama at the United Center. 

The biggest struggle for the Illini will undoubtedly be on the defensive end. While the Illini average over 94 points per game, getting the offense going likely won’t be the issue. Though Kenpom ranks Illinois in the Top 20 defensively, I think it’s been apparent to most of us watching the game that the Illini can be a bit sluggish and slow on defense more often than not, especially in transition. While Illinois has only allowed their opponents 69.7 points per game, UConn has put up over 83 points per game through their first six contests. Not to mention, it’s hard to gauge what a team looks like without key players in the mix, as UConn will have Tarris Reed Jr., Braylon Mullins and Jacob Furphy all back for the matchup against Illinois on Friday. On a positive note for Illini fans, Tomislav Ivisic and Mihailo Petrovic are looking closer to 100% and should make a big impact in this game. ESPN’s matchup predictor has UConn as the slight favorite at a 54.7 percent chance to win. With both teams also shooting 50% from the field, expect this game to be an absolute toss-up.