The No. 5 UConn Huskies secured a decisive victory against the No. 13 Illinois Fighting Illini, winning 74-61 in the SentinelOne Showdown held at Madison Square Garden on November 28, 2025. This marked the fifth meeting between the two teams, following their last encounter in the 2024 NCAA Elite Eight, where UConn claimed victory with a commanding 77-52 scoreline.
UConn’s early offensive strategy proved effective as they began to hit three-pointers, establishing a significant lead. The Huskies finished the first half with a shooting performance that included 7-for-17 from beyond the arc, allowing them to take a 43-32 lead into halftime. Despite a less efficient second half, UConn’s early scoring set the tone for the game. Meanwhile, Illinois struggled, hitting only six of their 29 attempts from three-point range throughout the game.
UConn’s ability to maintain pressure on Illinois was evident as they capitalized on the Fighting Illini’s shooting woes. Illinois missed their first ten field goal attempts in the second half, making it increasingly difficult to recover from an 11-point deficit. Although UConn’s shooting percentage dipped, the damage was done early in the game.
Despite UConn’s recent loss to then-No. 4 Arizona, the team has showcased its potential against ranked opponents, having also defeated No. 9 BYU shortly before this matchup. UConn’s schedule remains challenging, with upcoming games against Kansas and No. 10 Florida before they face No. 14 St. John’s on January 6, 2026. This challenging slate highlights the team’s resilience and capability for a deep run in the upcoming March Madness.
Illinois found itself at a disadvantage, particularly in terms of offensive contributions. Senior guard Kylan Boswell emerged as a standout player, scoring 25 points and collecting nine rebounds. However, he received little support, with only one teammate, Tomislav Ivisic, reaching double digits in scoring. This lack of depth in scoring ultimately hindered Illinois’ chances of mounting a comeback.
As the game progressed, Illinois attempted to chip away at UConn’s lead, closing the gap to just seven points with 2:56 remaining. The difference between a blowout and a competitive game lay in Illinois’ refusal to give up, even as they battled through their shooting difficulties. The Fighting Illini’s record now stands at 6-2, and this loss serves as a learning experience against a highly ranked opponent.
UConn’s roster welcomed back key players, including freshman guard Braylon Mullins, who made his season debut after dealing with an ankle injury, and senior forward Tarris Reed Jr., who had missed the previous two games. Mullins contributed to the team’s efforts by scoring his first points in the second half, while Reed provided five rebounds and two points in 15 minutes of play. Their return is a positive sign for UConn as they look to build on this victory and improve their performance in future games.
Looking ahead, Illinois is set to face No. 17 Tennessee on December 6, 2025, before their schedule becomes less daunting until a significant matchup against current No. 1 Purdue on January 24, 2026. This stretch offers Illinois an opportunity to refine their strategies and work on areas that were exposed in their loss to UConn, particularly in three-point shooting and ball movement.
UConn’s victory at Madison Square Garden not only showcases their talent but also emphasizes their potential as a formidable contender in the NCAA landscape. As the season progresses, both teams will aim to address their weaknesses and strive for success in the competitive college basketball arena.
