March Madness Final Four Preview
The Final Four is set, and the matchups are electric. Illinois vs UConn and Michigan vs Arizona promise high-stakes action, with every team proving they can dominate. Here’s how they got here and what to watch.
#3 Illinois vs #2 UConn Final Four Preview
How Illinois Got Here
Since we last checked in, Illinois has been on a roll. They toppled Houston 65-55 as +2.5 underdogs in the Sweet 16, then cruised past Iowa 71-59 as -6.5 favorites in the Elite 8. The Fighting Illini are proving to be ATS covering machines, now 4-0 against the spread while going 3-1 to the under. Heading into the Final Four, Illinois holds the second-highest odds among the remaining teams at +450.
How UConn Got Here
UConn’s path since we last checked in hasn’t been easy. They edged Michigan State 67-63 as -2.5 favorites in the Sweet 16, then pulled off a dramatic Elite 8 comeback against Duke. Down 15 at halftime, the Huskies stormed back in the second half, and with just 0.4 seconds left, freshman Braylon Mullins stole the ball from Cayden Boozer and drained a 35-foot three to win the game. UConn is 3-1 ATS this tournament and 2-2 to the over/under, and they enter the Final Four with the highest odds to win it all at +650
What To Watch
Watch for UConn’s Tarris Reed Jr. to dominate in the post and set the tone offensively, while Illinois will rely on Keaton Wagler and David Mirkovic to exploit the Huskies’ perimeter struggles. Illinois’ 3-point shooting and defensive consistency will be crucial, and UConn must find ways to create shots and protect the rim. This game will come down to Reed’s production, Illinois’ ability to hit threes, and which team can impose its defensive will first.
Game Information
Time: 6:10 EST
TV Channel: TBS
Venue: Lucas Oil Stadium
Current Odds:
Spread: Illinois -2.5 / UConn +2.5
Total: 139.5
Moneyline: Illinois -130 / UConn +108
#1 Michigan vs #1 Arizona Final Four Preview
How Michigan Got Here
Michigan has been a favorite to win it all from the start and comes into the Final Four with the best odds at +150. The Wolverines have been dominant throughout the tournament, going 3-1 ATS and 3-1 to the over. Since we last checked in, little has changed they’re still blowing teams out and covering spreads with ease. In the Sweet 16, they handled Alabama 90-77 as -9.5 favorites, then crushed Tennessee 95-62 as -8.5 favorites in the Elite 8.
How Arizona Got Here
Arizona, like Illinois, has covered the spread in every game this tournament, going 4-0 ATS and 3-1 to the over. They’ve dominated every team they’ve faced since we last checked in, they beat Arkansas 109-88 as -8.5 favorites and Purdue 79-64 as -5.5 favorites. At this point, it feels like whoever wins this matchup could very well be the National Champion, given how dominant both teams have been.
What To Watch
Keep an eye on the paint battle in this one Arizona will try to bully inside with Peat, Krivas, and Kharchenkov, while Michigan will look to make them shoot from outside and slow down transition. Kharchenkov vs. Lendeborg will be a key matchup, and Morez Johnson Jr. will need to roam the floor on defense. Whoever can hit timely 3s and control the rim could take control of the game.
Game Information
Time: 8:50 EST
TV Channel: TBS
Venue: Lucas Oil Stadium
Current Odds:
Spread: Michigan -1.5 / Arizona +1.5
Total: 157.5
Moneyline: Michigan -122 / Arizona +102
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