Buoyed by a cold-as-ice long-distance dagger from freshman sharpshooter Braylon Mullins, the Huskies’ hopes of claiming a third national title in four years remain intact. After ousting No. 1 overall seed Duke in an all-timer on Sunday, UConn must be feeling like it can hang with anyone.
It better feel that way, though, because the Illini are flying just as high. All four of their tournament wins have been decided by double digits, as they constricted the offense of a contending Houston team in the Sweet 16, then overwhelmed a Cinderella squad from Iowa with a barrage of second-half buckets.
These two teams clashed in November, and UConn rolled to a 74-61 win then. But Illinois looks unrecognizable from back then based on the surge from freshman star guard Keaton Wagler, who double-doubled in the Sweet 16 (13 points, 12 rebounds) and starred at the Elite Eight (25 points, 7-of-7 at the free-throw line).
Then again, UConn has added plenty of firepower since, too, as that was the debut of Mullins, who missed the first month with an ankle injury. Expect a much closer clash this time around, and don’t forget to devour this delectable appetizer ahead of Saturday night’s main course.