Uconn stomps illinois 71-62, heads back to the big dance

In a clash of titans, UConn's Huskies pounced on Illinois, securing a 71-62 victory that sends them roaring back to the national title game.

Braylon mullins shines, uconn eyes 3rd championship in 4 years

Behind another clutch three-pointer from freshman phenom Braylon Mullins, the Huskies rode dominant inside play and stifling defense to their 19th consecutive win in the Sweet 16 or later of the NCAA Tournament.

Mullins, who sank the game-winner against Duke to reach the Final Four, buried a catch-and-shoot triple with 52 seconds remaining to give UConn a 66-59 lead. His only basket of the second half sealed the deal.

Freshman Keaton Wagler led the Fighting Illini with 20 points and eight rebounds, becoming the first freshman since Michael Jordan and Patrick Ewing in 1982 to top 15 points in a Final Four contest.

The Huskies will face either Arizona or Michigan on Monday night in pursuit of their seventh national championship since 1999 and third under coach Dan Hurley, who would become the only active coach with more than two titles.

With one more victory, UConn would break a tie with North Carolina and move into third place alone in national titles, trailing only UCLA (11) and Kentucky (eight).