04/04/26 08:05:00
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04/04 20:04 CDT Freshmen Braylon Mullins and Keaton Wagler shine as others
struggle in UConn's win over Illinois
Freshmen Braylon Mullins and Keaton Wagler shine as others struggle in UConn's
win over Illinois
By AARON BEARD
AP Basketball Writer
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) --- The horn sounded, signaling UConn's return to the
national championship game for the third time in four seasons. And freshman
Braylon Mullins raised his arms in triumph, a huge smile on his face as he
trotted over to join his celebrating Huskies teammates.
Not far away, Illinois freshman Keaton Wagler headed dejectedly to his bench,
pulling his jersey over his face as teammates consoled him before he covered
his head with a towel.
Only one of the two fantastic freshmen could end the night in triumph, but both
led their teams on a rough offensive night for the Huskies and the Illini in
UConn's 71-62 win Saturday in the Final Four.
Mullins --- the home-state hero who hit an incredible shot to send UConn to
Indianapolis --- got off to a fast start and finished with four 3-pointers and
15 points. Wagler, a second-team All-American, had a game-high 20 points to go
with eight rebounds while the Illini never found the groove that had brought
them to their first Final Four since 2005.
Mullins and Wagler became the first opposing freshmen with at least 15 points
in a Final Four game since 1982 --- when a couple of kids named Michael Jordan
(North Carolina) and Patrick Ewing (Georgetown) were squaring off for the
national title.
Only Mullins will now have a chance to add to his March run for the Huskies.
"We're so ready for the national championship game," Mullins said after
exchanging an exuberant hug with coach Dan Hurley. "This is what I came here
for. Let's get it on Monday."
The Illini, who entered the game leading KenPom's rankings for adjusted
offensive efficiency, shot just 33.9%, including 6 of 26 from 3-point range.
UConn wasn't much better, shooting 35.5% but making 12 of 33 3s.
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AP March Madness bracket: https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-mens-bracket and
coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness
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