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3 keys for Illinois basketball to get revenge on UConn in the Final Four

Illinois needs Keaton Wagler to be more involved after a quiet first meeting against UConn to lift the Illini’s chances.
Outrebounding margins matter; Illinois relies on strong rebounding to control pace and secure wins.
Avoiding foul trouble is crucial; Wagler’s minutes could shrink if he picks up early fouls, impacting Illinois’ flow.
The rebounding edge has correlated with Illinois’ wins when outrebounding opponents, a trend the team seeks to repeat.
Illinois recognizes UConn’s depth and versatility, which makes maintaining discipline and tempo essential.
Illinois must maximize Wagler’s non-scoring contributions to offset scoring gaps against a strong UConn lineup.
The preparation centers on three strategic keys: Wagler’s involvement, rebounding, and foul management.
Illinois’ overall record and season context underscore the stakes as they approach the Final Four rematch.
Earlier matchup outcomes show UConn’s advantage in the rebounding battle, which Illinois aims to negate.
The article frames the Final Four rematch as a test of Illinois’ adaptability and execution under pressure.

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