UConn's Stewart Returns, Faces Illinois in Sweet Sixteen

It's April 3rd.

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Yukon's gearing up for a rematch with Illinois in the sweet 16, and guard Jalen Steward is

back after grinding through a tough injury recovery.

He missed most of the season, but now moves better and jumps higher in practice, ready

to disrupt like he did in their November win, 74-2, 61, and Madison Square Garden.

That first game saw Steward lock down Illinois star Andrei Stojakovich, holding him to

just three points on one for seven shooting.

Yukon pulled it out despite injuries to Terris Rejunior and Braylon Mullins, who were both

easing back ahead of schedule, but limited in minutes.

teammates call Steward the glue guy, praising his love for the game after watching him rehab

five hours a day.

Coach Dan Hurley reflected on last year's ego-driven run, saying a dose of humility got

them back to building a tough, resilient squad.

Both teams look sharper now, with Yukon finally healthy after months of bumps.

Illinois leans on freshman David Merkovich, their six foot nine forward averaging nearly

fifteen points and eleven boards in the turni, dominating.

The offensive glass.

Key battle shapes up between Alex Karabane and Mirkovich, who impress with 29 points in

seventeen rebounds in round one.

Yukon set to bring their A-game, aiming to repeat that early dominance on this bigger stage.