How To Watch Illinois-Connecticut, Lineups, Injury Report, Betting Lines
Game time: 5:09 pm., CT
Where: TD Garden, Boston
TV: TBS, Tru Tv
Betting line: Illinois +9
VITALS: The Huskies are the No. 1 team in the country and the overall top seed in the NCAA Tournament. The last time Illinois beat a top-ranked team was Feb. 7, 2013 when it beat Indiana. Terrence Shannon has been the catalyst for the Illini during the postseason. After averaging 34 points in the Big Ten tournament, he is scoring 28.3 points in the NCAAs. He had 29 points in Thursday's victory against Iowa State. The Huskies, who are the defending champions, are coming off a 30-point win versus San Diego State. All five starters average double-figures, led by Tristen Newton at 15.3 points a game. The Illini are going for their first appearance in the Final Four since 2005 when they lost to the North Carolina Tar Heels in the final
PROJECTED STARTERS
FIGHTING ILLINI
G Ty Rodgers
G Terrence Shannon Jr
C Coleman Hawkins
F Marcus Domask
F Quincy Guerrier
HUSKIES
F Alex Caraban
F Stephon Castle
C Donovan Clingan
G Tristen Newton
G Cam Spencer
INJUY REPORT
FIGHTING ILLINI
Max Williams: Out - Undisclosed
HUSKIES
None
QUOTABLE
Illinois forward Coleman Hawkins on the Huskies: "I have more of a respect for them. I think it's a higher level of respect. I think they've been playing great all year. I think they're well-coached, and they do what they do."
Anthony Pasciolla is a contributor for Illini Now. He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com
ANTHONY PASCIOLLA