BOSTON — Illinois was no match for the nation’s top dog.
The Illini’s sensational postseason run ended with a lopsided 77-52 loss to UConn, the top overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, in an Elite Eight matchup at TD Garden on Saturday. In front of a Huskies-heavy crowd, UConn went on a devasting 30-0 run in the middle of the game to knock out the Illini.
Donovan Clingan dominated Illinois with 22 points, 10 rebounds, five blocks and two steals to lead UConn to its second straight Final Four and 10th straight NCAA Tournament victory. Cam Spencer added 11 points, 12 rebounds and five assists for the Huskies (35-3), who are the overwhelming favorite to win a second straight NCAA Tournament title.
Marcus Domask led Illinois (29-9) with 17 points, but no other Illini had more than eight points as UConn held the Illini, the nation’s No. 2 offensive efficiency, to a season-worst 25.4% shooting and a season-low 52 points (64 was previous low). The Illini shot 6-for-32 from three and 9-for-31 at the rim.
UConn stymied Terrence Shannon Jr.’s incredible postseason, limiting the Illini star to a season-low eight points on 2-for-12 shooting. Illini freshman Amani Hansberry scored a season-high eight points, all in the second half when the game was already out of hand.
