In a highly anticipated matchup, the No. 5 UConn Huskies secured a decisive victory over the No. 13 Illinois Fighting Illini, winning 74-61 on November 28, 2025, at Madison Square Garden. This contest marked the fifth meeting between the two teams, with UConn looking to build upon their previous success against Illinois, which included a dominant performance in the 2024 Elite Eight.
UConn’s strategy to host their Thanksgiving celebration early appeared effective, as they started strong, particularly with their three-point shooting. The Huskies connected on seven out of 17 attempts from beyond the arc in the first half, establishing a 43-32 lead by halftime. Illinois struggled to keep pace, managing only six successful three-pointers out of 29 attempts throughout the game. The Illini’s first three-pointer of the second half did not come until 12:40 remained on the clock, which hindered their ability to mount a comeback.
Despite UConn’s inconsistency in the second half, the damage was already done. Illinois faced an uphill battle after falling behind by as many as 21 points during the contest. The Huskies’ depth and offensive execution proved too much for the Illini, who missed their first ten field goal attempts in the second half. UConn demonstrated resilience and tactical prowess, bouncing back from their recent loss to No. 4 Arizona and showcasing their potential as a formidable contender heading into March Madness.
Illinois, on the other hand, displayed determination despite their struggles. Senior guard Kylan Boswell emerged as a standout player, scoring 25 points and contributing nine rebounds and three assists. However, he lacked sufficient support from his teammates, with only one other scorer, Tomislav Ivisic, reaching double digits. This disparity in offensive contributions highlighted a critical difference between the two teams.
As UConn looks ahead, they will face ranked opponents, including No. 10 Florida and Kansas, before their next major matchup against No. 14 St. John’s in early January. The return of key players like freshman guard Braylon Mullins, who made his season debut after an ankle injury, and senior forward Tarris Reed Jr., who also returned from injury, is expected to bolster the Huskies’ lineup. Reed, who averaged 20 points and 9.3 rebounds prior to his injury, played 15 minutes and contributed five rebounds and two points in this game.
Illinois will attempt to regroup as they prepare to take on No. 17 Tennessee on December 6, 2025. The upcoming schedule appears less daunting, allowing the Fighting Illini time to refine their strategies, particularly in their three-point shooting and ball movement, which fell short against UConn.
This matchup not only showcased UConn’s strengths but also raised questions for Illinois about their ability to compete with top-tier teams. The resilience shown by the Illini, despite their shooting woes, offers a glimmer of hope as they continue their season.