Illinois Coach Brad Underwood Reflects On Season Ended By UConn Huskies
The Illinois Fighting Illini's season was brought to a close on Saturday evening by the UConn Huskies, 77-52.
Illini coach Brad Underwood was filled with emotion following the loss while giving his postgame remarks.
"I didn't expect that, but all tons of credit to UConn," Underwood began. "I thought that we were in a good spot at halftime, especially after the slow start. I thought [Donovan] Clingan dominated the first half with his defensive abilities. We obviously came out in the second half and got blitzed, got some decent looks, kinda felt like we were doing some of the things we've always done. Donovan made good blocks, and then they do what they do; they got out in transition, turned some of those blocks, and turned some turnovers into layups, give them credit."
The season was filled with positives, including a near 30-win regular season and being champions of the Big 10 tournament. Not to mention, senior guard Terrence Shannon Jr. is a likely lottery pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
"End of the season deals: 29 wins, Big 10 championship, Elite Eight. I don't want one person in this program that has had anything to do with our men's basketball program to remember about this game. What an incredible season," Underwood shared. "They took a coach on a ride that was so fun. It's the funnest group of guys I've ever been around to coach. In terms of enjoyment, the professionalism, their achievements. It's very hard to win 29 games in college basketball, and this team did that. Today wasn't our day; we were a game short of the Final Four, but getting to the Elite Eight is not something we're going to forget about and blow off."
The Huskies dominated the second half of the matchup with a 30-0 run that slammed the window for the Illini. No team has slowed UConn yet, as they have won each of their four NCAA tournament games by a double-digit margin.
"Great, great season, tough end, but man, I'm just so blessed that I got to coach this group. With that being said, I might be the most blessed person in college basketball today," Underwood said.
Anthony Pasciolla is a contributor to Illini Now. He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com
ANTHONY PASCIOLLA