UConn Punches Ticket to Title Game

0:00It's April 5, Durham News Today starts now, AI powered and ready. Yukon just punched their ticket back to the national title game, dropping Illinois 71-62 in the final four. Freshman Braylon Mullins sealed it with a clutch three-pointer at 52 seconds left, his only bucket in the second half, while Terrace Reed Jr. dropped 17 points and grabbed 11 boards for the double-double. The Huskies, now 34 and 5, stretched their streak to 19 straight wins in the sweet 16 or later. Coach Dan Hurley has them fighting like it's life or death, building on back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024. Players like Alex Caravan stepped up, despite a rough shooting night, tying his brother Bobby for second-in-career March Man his victories. Fans are buzzing about Yukon's grit, no easy rides, just pure battle-tested will. On the other side, Illinois freshman Keaton Wagler led with 20 points and eight rebounds in their first final four since 2005.

1:00But they shot lights out poorly from deep, hitting just six of 26 threes, could it match Yukon's interior punch. Now the Huskies' gear up for Arizona or Michigan on Monday, chasing a seventh banner since 1999. Hurley squad grinds through droughts and comebacks, proving they're built for these high-stakes wars.