-
-
Follow Us
-
On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
Free Newsletters
On YouTubeIllinois Fighting Illini News / Ball Exclusives / April 4
Watch: UConn takes down Illinois to reach national championship
The UConn Huskies put together a balanced team effort on Saturday to outlast the Illinois Fighting Illini 71-62 and reach the national championship. Both offenses got off to a rather slow start, but Tarris Reed Jr.
Illinois Reacts to Keaton Wagler Announcement on Saturday
Keaton Wagler and the No. 3 seed Illinois Fighting Illini looked to keep their 2026 NCAA Tournament run alive on Saturday night, facing the No. 2 seed UConn Huskies in the Final Four at Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis).
Brad Underwood News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / April 4
Underwood Father-Son Duo Enjoying Special Moment in Illinois’ Final Four Run
As the final seconds ticked away in Illinois' 71-59 win over Iowa in the Elite Eight, coach Brad Underwood turned to hug his assistants. That included his son, Tyler, who currently serves as an assistant coach and offensive coordinator for the nation's No.
Has Illinois Found Its Keaton Wagler Successor in Quentin Coleman?
Keaton Wagler has been an anomaly. The No. 150 recruit in 247Sports' rankings and the No. 261 recruit in its composite rankings, Wagler was all over the place on recruiting boards – except, ironically, at the very top.
Illinois Fighting Illini News / Athlon Sports / April 4
Bill Murray’s Final Four Dilemma Says Everything About This Illinois-UConn Clash
When the Fighting Illini of Illinois face off against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four, most of the focus will be on the game itself. For Bill Murray, the stakes are much more personal.
Recruiting Surge: Quentin Coleman Commitment Sends Illinois Rising
Not since the class of 2022 (the Ty Rodgers class) has Brad Underwood and his staff brought in four U.S.-based high school prospects. Four years and a handful of exceptional international (as well as transfer portal) finds later, the Illini are back to that number in the class of 2026.
Four-Star Guard Quentin Coleman Commits to Illinois – What to Know
Even in the thick of a Final Four run, Illinois is building towards its future. And given that the Illini are on the brink of losing one – and very likely
College Basketball News / Athlon Sports / April 3
Illinois Bringing Unexpected Calm To Final Four Stage Before UConn Clash
There is something refreshingly different about this Illinois Fighting Illini team, and it showed up most unexpectedly on Friday. While most programs are locked in film sessions or walking through every possible late-game scenario, Illinois players were sitting around playing Mario Kart.
Which Player Will Step Up to Carry Illinois Football's Defense?
Illinois is facing a lot of unknowns heading into the 2026 college football season: Can new quarterback Katin Houser replace Luke Altmyer's production?
5 Reasons Illinois Basketball is Built to Win Its First-Ever NCAA Title
Illinois is in the midst of its third four-game (or better) winning streak of the year – and this one has come at the most opportune time. With four victories in the NCAA Tournament, the Illini have secured a spot in the Final Four, where a 33-5 UConn team awaits them on Saturday night (5:09 p.m.
Experts All Make Same Pick for Illinois vs. UConn – And What They're Missing
Heading into Illinois’ Final Four showdown with UConn , the numbers – at least ESPN’s – lean ever so slightly in the Illini’s direction. The only two non-No.
Illinois' X-Factor vs. UConn: The Player Who Could Decide the Final Four
The 2025-26 season was up and down for Illinois wing Andrej Stojakovic – until the NCAA Tournament. Before the Big Dance tipped off, Stojakovic, a highly touted transfer from Cal, enjoyed stretches of dominance with the Illini (notably three straight games of 20 or more points early in the season) but also some duds.
UConn vs. Illinois bold predictions for March Madness Final Four clash
March Madness enters its final week for what’s been a wild 2026 tournament. UConn basketball delivered the most thrilling moment thanks to Braylon Mullins’ three with 0.3 left to beat Duke on Sunday.
Why Illinois basketball will win 2026 NCAA Tournament
Illinois basketball waited 21 years to redeem itself from the last Final Four appearance. The Illini would love to erase the memories of the 2005 National Championship game loss to North Carolina.
College Basketball News / Larry Brown Sports / March 29
Illinois star did not quite understand how to cut down the net
The Illinois Fighting Illini advanced to the Final Four on Saturday, and one of their players literally did not know how to celebrate. Freshman forward David Mirkovic did not seem to know what to do when presented with his chance to cut down the nets following the team’s 71-59 win over Iowa at Toyota Center in Houston, Tex.
Watch: Illinois advances to Final Four with narrow victory over Iowa
The Illinois Fighting Illini used hot second-half shooting to take down the Iowa Hawkeyes 71-59 on Saturday, punching their ticket to the Final Four. Iowa hit the ground running on both ends of the floor, jumping out to a 9-0 lead before Keaton Wagler finally put Illinois on the board.
Breaking News
Trending News
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
Popular Quizzes
Today's Latest News
MY ACCOUNT
SUBSCRIBE
ADVERTISE
JOBS
FAQ
PRIVACY POLICY COOKIE POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
PRIVACY POLICY COOKIE POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Copyright 2026 YB Media, LLC. All rights reserved.
By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.