Illinois
Braylon Mullins elevated UConn’s offense. What’s next is ‘a blessing in itself’
INDIANAPOLIS — You can sum up Braylon Mullins’ first Lucas Oil Stadium shooting performance like this: a near-dagger and a tongue-wagger.
Six days after becoming a national name with his last-second, game-winning 3-pointer vs. Duke, Mullins scored 15 points in a 71-62 UConn victory over Illinois. The Huskies will play for their third national championship in four years Monday against either Michigan or Arizona.
It was exactly the scenario Mullins envision when he committed to the Huskies in a ceremony at Greenfield-Central less than 18 months earlier.
“These are the moments you play for, and knowing how far and how long this season has been, just to be a part of the national championship – I think that’s a blessing in itself,” Mullins said.
“But we came here to win, so we’re ready for Monday.”
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Mullins made 4 of 7 from behind the arc – two of which came at crucial junctures.
Last things first. Mullins had missed all five of his shots in a scoreless second half when Illinois’ Keaton Wagler scored with 1:38 remaining. It cut the UConn lead – as high as 14 points with under 10 minutes to play – to 63-59.
After a timeout, UConn’s Alex Karaban missed a late shot clock 3, but Silas Demary Jr. grabbed the rebound. The Huskies reset their offense, and Demary later found Mullins, who hit a 3 from the elbow to make it a seven-point game with 52.1 seconds remaining.
“The play got broken down, and we run sets with under 5, 10 seconds on the shot clock,” Mullins said. “I just saw a little bit of separation, and we work on that shot in practice every day, so it just felt like repetition.”
Wagler responded with a 3 on the ensuing possession. Illinois, however, could never make a basket after cutting the lead to two possessions in the final two minutes.
The double-digit lead UConn opened up in the first half had the Illini chasing all night. Mullins snuck one in before halftime to help the cause.
That possession, off an Illinois turnover, began to run late in the shot clock as well. Mullins was aware of the clock, thought he saw a sliver of daylight and took a deep shot – similar to the one he swished in the Elite Eight.
It bounced off the center of the backboard and through the hoop for a 37-27 UConn lead with 47 seconds left in the half. Mullins headed back up the floor smiling, shaking his head and letting that tongue wag a bit.
“If you see a little window, you’ve gotta shoot it,” Mullins said. “I did not call glass, though – but it went in.”
Mullins scored only two points in 10 minutes when UConn and Illinois played at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 28. It was his collegiate debut after the 2025 IndyStar Mr. Basketball missed the first six games with an ankle injury.
Some of the Huskies’ other trusty shooters struggled Saturday. Demary, Alex Karaban and Jaylin Stewart combined to make 3 of 17. Mullins was a big reason why 3-point shooting became one of the night’s decisive elements. UConn finished 12 of 33, while Illinois made only 6 of 26.
Jayden Ross said teammate Jaylin Stewart called Mullins’ final 3 as they sat together on the bench.
“Sure enough, he came off the pin-down and he knocked it down,” Ross said. “He put us in a great spot to pull away. He just gives us great confidence. But he’s also an unselfish player, and he plays real hard on the defensive end too, so he does a little bit of everything.”
UConn will need Mullins’ clutch abilities one more time.
Nathan Baird is IndyStar’s Purdue insider. Sign up for IndyStar’s Boilermakers newsletter for the best Purdue coverage.
By WMBD TV
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — After a very dry start to June, a stormy and humid weather pattern takes hold for the next several days.
Key Takeaways
- Flood Watch through Monday Evening
- Localized pockets of 2 to 3+ inches of rain may lead to flooding
- Rain totals will vary widely from one spot to another
- Oppressive heat and humidity midweek
- Heat index near 100 degrees Tuesday through Thursday
- Severe Storm Chances
- Highest risk Thursday, some severe weather potential Wednesday evening
The highest rain coverage for Monday will occur during the afternoon. Some funnel clouds may develop, but the risk of a tornado remains low. The main concern will be pockets of very heavy rain that can quickly lead to flash flooding where they develop. The showers will decrease and gradually end overnight.
With lower storm coverage during the daytime Tuesday and Wednesday, we will crank up the heat! While actual highs will “only” be in the upper 80s to lower 90s, the air will be very humid. This will push heat index values toward the triple digits. If possible, limit any strenuous outdoor activities to the early part of the day. The oppressive humidity will stay in place through Thursday.
The best chance for severe storms will come our way mid to late week, with all severe hazards on the table. While the highest severe threat is to our north and west Wednesday, severe weather could work in during the evening. The highest chance will be west of the Illinois River.
Thursday brings the highest threat for severe storms areawide. Timing of the greatest potential looks to be from mid-afternoon onward through the evening.
Rain amounts will vary greatly, on on average, 1 to 3 inches of rain can be expected through the week.
WMBD TV first reported this story. You can read the original story online at CIProud.com.
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The Illinois Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at June 7, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Pick-3 numbers from June 7 drawing
Midday: 7-7-1, Fireball: 9
Evening: 1-2-7, Fireball: 1
Check Pick-3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick-4 numbers from June 7 drawing
Midday: 0-0-9-5, Fireball: 0
Evening: 5-3-1-7, Fireball: 5
Check Pick-4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning LuckyDay Lotto numbers from June 7 drawing
Midday: 22-24-36-37-41
Evening: 09-10-27-37-41
Check LuckyDay Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize
- Prizes up to $600: Claim at an Illinois Lottery retailer, a Claim Center, by mail, or via an e-Claim. By mail, send the required documentation to: Illinois Lottery Claims Department, P.O. Box 19080, Springfield, IL.
- Prizes from $601 to $10,000: Claim at a Claim Center, by mail, or via an e-Claim.
- Prizes over $10,000: Claim at a Claim Center or by mail.
- Appointments Required: Schedule an appointment for in-person claims.
- Documentation: Bring a photo ID and Social Security number proof.
When are the Illinois Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10:00 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky Day Lotto (Day): 12:40 p.m. CT daily.
- Lucky Day Lotto (Evening): 9:22 p.m. CT daily.
- Lotto: 9:22 p.m. CT on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.
- Pick 3 (Day): 12:40 p.m. CT daily.
- Pick 3 (Evening): 9:22 p.m. CT daily.
- Pick 4 (Day): 12:40 p.m. CT daily.
- Pick 4 (Evening): 9:22 p.m. CT daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Illinois editor. You can send feedback using this form.
WESTCHESTER, Ill. (WLS) — Officials have identified the man who died in an explosion that shut down Interstate 290 in the west suburbs for hours on Thursday.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the man as 47-year-old Jorge Vaca, of Cicero.
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Federal officials said the incident that happened around 10 a.m. Thursday near Mannheim Road was not connected to any other event that day.
Officials do not believe anyone else was involved.
“We recognize the significant public interest generated by the law enforcement response and roadway closures. The involvement of highly specialized federal, state, and local resources was necessary to safely process the scene and ensure public safety. We are grateful to the public for their patience and cooperation as the matter was ongoing,” federal officials said.
I-290 was shut down for nearly nine hours Thursday during the investigation.
Chopper 7 flew above the scene as a Volkswagen SUV in a middle lane sat with its windows blown out. A bomb squad unit from the Cook County Sheriff’s Office with guns drawn appeared to investigate the SUV.
On Thursday afternoon, an evidence tent was erected around the SUV. Evidence markers were also strewn across the highway as local and federal agents descended on the scene.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Drug Enforcement Administration Chicago Field Division were also involved in the investigation.
Federal officials said there is no known threat to public safety.
Full statement from federal officials:
“Following a coordinated investigation led by the FBI and ATF with instrumental support from a number of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and emergency responders, investigators have determined that the June 4, 2026, incident on I-290 near Mannheim Road was an explosion that resulted in the death of one individual. No evidence was found to indicate this was connected to any other event or that any other individuals were involved.
Additional details regarding the identity of the decedent and manner of death will be released by the Cook County Medical Examiner.
We recognize the significant public interest generated by the law enforcement response and roadway closures. The involvement of highly specialized federal, state, and local resources was necessary to safely process the scene and ensure public safety. We are grateful to the public for their patience and cooperation as the matter was ongoing.
Additional details will be released, as appropriate.”
The video in the player above is from a previous report.
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