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UConn at Full Strength for Final Four as Illinois Lists Three Players Out

The NCAA’s availability report tilts the depth edge to UConn, raising rotation questions for Illinois.

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.