UConn Faces Illinois in Black Friday Basketball Showdown

NEW YORK, N.Y. – The No. 5 University of Connecticut (UConn) men’s basketball team (5-1) is set to take on No. 13 Illinois (6-1) today at Madison Square Garden for the SentinelOne Showdown. The game begins at 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time, broadcast on FOX with announcers Kenny Albert and Steve Smith calling the action.

This matchup marks UConn’s first of at least four games this season at Madison Square Garden, where the Huskies have an all-time record of 77 wins and 62 losses. UConn has fared well at MSG under coach Dan Hurley, holding a record of 5-2 in regular season non-conference games.

The Huskies have previously played Illinois four times, winning the last three meetings, including a decisive 77-52 victory in the 2024 East Regional Final. UConn comes into the game following a 72-49 win over Bryant on Nov. 23, during which the team showcased a strong second half, led by standout performances from their players.

UConn’s current scoring leader, Alex Karaban, averages 14.3 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. His teammate, Solomon Ball, contributes 14.2 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. Senior point guard Demary Jr. leads the BIG EAST with 6.3 assists per game.

By contrast, Illinois is known for its explosive offense, averaging 94.6 points per game. Andrej Stojakovic leads the Illini with 18.5 points per game, shooting 58.8 percent from the field. Kylan Boswell also provides strong support with an average of 16.1 points per game.

This game not only presents an exciting matchup but also serves as an opportunity for both teams to test their skills against tough competition. With UConn looking to capitalize on their effective turnovers defense and Illinois’ desire to continue their scoring momentum, basketball fans can expect an exhilarating face-off. Following this game, UConn will quickly prepare for another significant matchup against Kansas on December 2.