Brad Underwood emotional over Illinois’ Final Four loss: ‘They are my life’

Illinois coach Brad Underwood stole a quote from Houston coach Kelvin Sampson after the Fighting Illini’s Final Four loss to UConn.

Sampson, one of the greatest coaches to never have won a national championship, knows a thing or two about March Madness heartbreak, which is exactly what Underwood was feeling after Illinois’ 71-62 loss on Saturday, April 4, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

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“I feel sad,” Underwood told reporters after the game. “I’m sad. If you want to know the truth, I’m sad. But I’ll reflect on some of the other stuff later. Seasons coming to an end sting. I’m going to steal a quote from Kelvin Sampson: ‘I may not be as big a part of their life, but they are my life.'”

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Illinois vs UConn, title‑game pressure. See photos

Andrej Stojakovic #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini drives to the basket against Solo Ball #1 of the UConn Huskies in the first half of the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Illinois vs UConn, title‑game pressure. See photos

Andrej Stojakovic #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini drives to the basket against Solo Ball #1 of the UConn Huskies in the first half of the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Illinois vs UConn, title‑game pressure. See photos

Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies reacts against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Illinois vs UConn, title‑game pressure. See photos

Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies shoots a layup against Zvonimir Ivisic #44 of the Illinois Fighting Illini in the first half of the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Illinois vs UConn, title‑game pressure. See photos

Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois…

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Publish date : 2026-04-05 12:43:00

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