In a compelling college basketball matchup, the No. 5 UConn Huskies defeated the No. 13 Illinois Fighting Illini 74-61 on November 28, 2025, at Madison Square Garden. The victory marks UConn’s fifth win in the historical rivalry, showcasing their resilience and tactical planning under head coach Dan Hurley.
UConn started strong, quickly establishing a lead thanks to their effective three-point shooting. They finished the first half with a commendable 7-for-17 from beyond the arc, leading to a 43-32 advantage at halftime. The second half saw a slight dip in their shooting accuracy, but the damage had already been done by the time Illinois attempted to respond.
Illinois struggled significantly, making only 6 of 29 three-point attempts throughout the game. Their first successful three-pointer of the second half did not come until 12:40 remained on the clock. This shooting inefficiency, compounded by a poor start to the half where they missed their first ten field goals, made it challenging for them to recover from an 11-point deficit.
Despite their difficulties, Illinois showcased tenacity, particularly through senior guard Kylan Boswell, who scored 25 points along with 9 rebounds and 3 assists. Boswell’s performance was a bright spot for Illinois, as he accounted for half of the team’s total points at one stage in the game. However, he lacked sufficient support, with only one other teammate, Tomislav Ivisic, reaching double figures.
The Huskies demonstrated their depth, with contributions from various players, which was a clear advantage against Illinois. UConn’s capacity to spread the scoring and facilitate ball movement was evident, as they recorded 19 assists compared to Illinois’ 10. This disparity in teamwork was crucial in maintaining their lead.
UConn’s recent performances have been strong despite a setback against then-No. 4 Arizona, which caused them to drop from No. 3 to No. 5 in the rankings. Their win against Illinois follows a victory over No. 9 BYU, and they still face formidable opponents, including Kansas and No. 10 Florida, before a rematch against current No. 14 St. John’s.
In terms of player fitness, UConn’s roster was nearly at full strength, with the return of top recruit Braylon Mullins after an ankle injury, and senior forward Tarris Reed Jr. returning from a similar issue. Mullins played limited minutes early in the game but scored his first points in the second half, providing a glimpse of his potential. Reed contributed five rebounds and two points in 15 minutes, a promising sign for UConn moving forward.
Looking ahead, Illinois will aim to bounce back against No. 17 Tennessee on December 6. The Fighting Illini will have an opportunity to refine their strategy and address the issues exposed by UConn, particularly in three-point shooting and offensive movement.
Overall, while the result was disappointing for Illinois, their determination to narrow the gap late in the game reflects their potential for growth in the season. UConn’s victory solidifies their position as a strong contender as they navigate one of the more challenging parts of their schedule this season.
