UConn 71, Illinois 62 Postgame
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IlliniwekKDR
- Colorado Springs, CO
I don't think I am strong enough to click on that video
And people thought I was crazy for wanting Duke instead. I just think we would've matched up better against them.
Not gonna lie, this stings a bit more having such a great turnout with limited moments of gaining momentum. You could feel the place so badly wanting to erupt but that many bricks just puts a lid on it. Thanks to the team for an unforgettable run. Can we please not have to wait another20 years again? These fans, players and coaches want it so bad
IlliniwekKDR
- Colorado Springs, CO
I'll take a sweet 16 every year, a final four approximately every 3, and a natty every 5 years, please
Wow. Some pretty heavy stuff.
It's a thin margin between agony and jubilation. This very easily could've been a night where we made our shots and they missed theirs and we'd be moving on. But that's basketball.
It's a thin margin between taking your dad to the national championship game in Indy 23 years after he took you to your first Illini game in Indy and having to list your Natty tickets on stubhub. But that's basketball.
This isn't our last shot. We'll be back sooner than later under Brad. But I recognize some fans don't have the luxury of the margin between sooner and later. And I'm heartbroken for them. That's basketball.
It's a game won in the margins. But really, being a fan isn't about the margins. It's about ignoring the margins.
I'll mourn this season. But I won't hang my head too long. I'm proud of these guys. I'm proud of Brad and Josh and the university. It's been a great ride filled with tons of memories.
ILL
Also, I hate UConn.
It's a thin margin between taking your dad to the national championship game in Indy 23 years after he took you to your first Illini game in Indy and having to list your Natty tickets on stubhub. But that's basketball.
This isn't our last shot. We'll be back sooner than later under Brad. But I recognize some fans don't have the luxury of the margin between sooner and later. And I'm heartbroken for them. That's basketball.
It's a game won in the margins. But really, being a fan isn't about the margins. It's about ignoring the margins.
I'll mourn this season. But I won't hang my head too long. I'm proud of these guys. I'm proud of Brad and Josh and the university. It's been a great ride filled with tons of memories.
ILL
Also, I hate UConn.
I'm not going to be greedy. I just want ONE.
Didn't really feel to optimistic as season started. The entire roster overhaul and foreign unknowns. There was a ton of stress and head scratching at times, but what a great group of players. Felt like we got to know them and they became fighting Illini's for life. The name on the jersey will always be my passion. Then throw in the players names on the back that become apart of my old memory bank. Thank you 2025/2026 team for the memories! Forever a Fighting Illini.
Any word on when they are coming home?
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It probably wouldn't have made a difference, but it really sucked that we finished the first half with a held ball. We essentially lost a possession since 3 seconds wasn't enough to get a decent shot off after getting possession.
Unbelievable refs will let this go but then call a touch foul on the perimeter.
What hurts is that we had a GREAT defensive plan. Kept Reed quiet, walled off the lane pretty well, and kept UConn to a very average shooting night after the hot start
The game was certainly called differently in the 2nd half, but there is really no reason to re-litigate this game. If we had hit shots we typically make, we win.
bdutts
- Houston, Texas
What matters most is the feeling in the locker room.
Noblesville Illini
- Nappanee, IN
I just think tonight was partly due to UConn’s defense but mostly it was, despite our strong effort, our guys played nervously, lacked confidence and couldn’t lock in. The dome worked against us. Don’t think the missing shots was a luck thing. Intimidating atmosphere.
Hope most of our guys come back and we improve on the’05 pattern of the’04 bad taste in their mouths and dominate the following year….but 2027 ends even better than 2005 team!!!
Hope most of our guys come back and we improve on the’05 pattern of the’04 bad taste in their mouths and dominate the following year….but 2027 ends even better than 2005 team!!!
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