After 63 games, we’re down to Illinois versus UConn, and Arizona versus Michigan. But who will come out on top this Saturday? Here’s an in-depth breakdown of the remaining squads and what it will take to reach the final dance. Illinois is coming in after breezing through a Cinderella run by the 9-seeded Iowa Hawkeyes. But the main question that lingers with this Illini squad is: can they compete in big games?
Aside from an impressive 10-point win over 2-seeded Houston, Illinois hasn’t been truly tested this March. Freshman star Keaton Wagler has been the man to watch for the Illini, but when you shoot 4-for-14 against the only real opponent you’ve faced so far, performing under pressure is definitely a concern. To get past a team that has proven it can handle clutch situations in UConn, Wagler will have to be at his best, and Illinois must limit the Huskies from beyond the arc.
Photo Cred: ESPN
Now looking at UConn, there is no doubting the undeniable coaching talent of Dan Hurley. The Huskies’ path has been far from easy this March, squeaking past two juggernauts in Michigan State and Duke. Hurley has now reached his third Final Four appearance in the last four years, and in the last two, he took his team all the way to a national title. So, what’s holding this team back? Consistency from the three-point line. Against Duke, the Huskies went 5-for-21 from beyond the arc, and against Furman in the first round, they went 5-for-20. Illinois holds opponents to just above 30% from three, so UConn will have to be more efficient than the Illini in the paint if it wants to move on.
Score prediction: 74–70 UConn.
Looking at the other side of the bracket, it’s a battle between one seeds. Arizona has silenced any doubt, dominating every game so far this tournament. On paper, the standout is freshman guard Brayden Burries, who’s scored 71 points through four games. However, the Wildcats have been incredibly efficient on the glass, outrebounding every opponent and averaging over 40 boards per game. This team is well-rounded and efficient on both sides of the ball.
The only question about Arizona’s chances in this matchup is: can they live up to the hype? This is the Wildcats’ first trip to the Final Four since 2001. Under current head coach Tommy Lloyd, Arizona hasn’t lived up to its tournament expectations, failing to make it past the Sweet 16. The Wildcats simply need to play to their strengths to shake off the past and advance to the finals.
Photo Cred: Sporting News
Last but certainly not least, Michigan. The Wolverines are in a similar boat as the Illini—and not just because they’re both Big Ten schools. Michigan simply hasn’t been tested yet. The Wolverines cruised to the Final Four after Tennessee upset Iowa State, and the only game Michigan was really challenged in was the first half against Howard, where they were up just four going into halftime. The Wolverines are a great team across the board: efficient from three, dominant in the paint, featuring a good-sized lineup, and strong defensively as well. Michigan will have to use its size advantage if it wants to shut down Arizona’s offense in the paint.
Score prediction: 85–83 Arizona in overtime.
