National Anthem Before UConn-Illinois Final Four Game Turns Heads
The Final Four tipped off on Saturday night as UConn took the floor for a highly-anticipated matchup against the high-flying Illinois Fighting Illini.
It's the first of two Final Four games on tap tonight as No. 1 seeds Michigan and Arizona wait to determine which will be the last No. 1 seed left in the tournament.
En route to the Final Four, UConn dispatched Duke with a last-second three-pointer while Illinois enjoyed a 12-point win over Iowa. Michigan, meanwhile, routed Tennessee in a 95-62 beatdown in the Elite Eight as Arizona cruised to a 79-64 win over Purdue.
Ahead of tonight's action, though, came the national anthem that immediately drew rave reviews from fans.
Men's Journal
National Anthem Sung by Student-Athletes
The national anthem on Saturday night was sung by a chorus of student-athletes from each program remaining in the Final Four.
UConn cross country and track and field runner Chloe Trudel, Michigan field hockey player Claire Taylor, Arizona swimming and diving athlete MJ Neilson and Illinois women's basketball player Mia Zenere took to center court to deliver a stirring rendition of the anthem.
Tonight's National Anthem is performed by student-athletes representing each school in the #MFinalFour! ????#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/8EgxpyNjfk
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 4, 2026
National Anthem Receives Major Praise From Fans
Fans rushed to social media to show their appreciation for the anthem.
"This was phenomenal. One of the better anthems I’ve seen in a while," one person said while another added, "Beautiful rendition, ladies."
"Nothing hits like student-athletes from each school coming together for the anthem — it really captures what March Madness is all about: pride, unity, and the biggest stage in college basketball," said another.
The first Final Four contest between UConn and Illinois can be found on TBS, truTV and HBO Max.
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