Overview
- The NCAA's initial availability report, released Saturday, listed no UConn players out and ruled out Illinois' Ty Rodgers, Jason Jakstys and Toni Bilic.
- Rodgers is sidelined by a torn patellar tendon, Jakstys has dealt with blood clots, and Bilic is away from the team, which leaves Illinois with fewer bench options.
- UConn and Illinois meet in the national semifinal at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, and the winner advances to Monday's NCAA championship game.
- Betting markets have Illinois as a slight favorite at -1.5 with a 139.5 over/under, according to CBS Sports odds.
- Tarris Reed Jr. has powered UConn's frontcourt with roughly 21.8 points and 13.5 rebounds per tournament game, while Illinois leans on guard Keaton Wagler’s 17.9 points and 4.3 assists.