UConn and Illinois will tip off at 6:09 p.m. Eastern time, then Michigan-Arizona will follow up afterward at 8:49 p.m. Both games will be broadcast on TBS/truTV in the United States, TSN+ in Canada, and Disney+ internationally. DAZN will also have the games for those in Europe.
Now, let's get into the picks!
(2) UConn vs. (3) Illinois
David: UConn
Something tells me not a lot of people had this as a Final Four match. I will be honest - I was not one of those people.
UConn's miraculous three-pointer with seconds left against Duke will easily be one of the best highlights, if not, the highlight, of the whole tournament. That was something truly special. The Huskies have not necessarily sparkled in their run, but they are here for a reason.
It would be unwise to count them out.
Meanwhile, Illinois have shown the true spirit of being a Fighting Illini. Finding their way past Cinderella Iowa, they overpowered the Hawkeyes, as they have done against everyone in their path so far. They are proving hard to break down, and that could be the difference in this game.
While the Huskies have largely scraped their way through, I still have this odd feeling they will come out on top again. They are in the Final Four for the third time in four years, having won the titles in 2023 and 2024. I do not see them doing it this year, but I think they have just enough to top the Fighting Illini on Saturday night.
Michaela: UConn
Illinois’ path through the big dance has been unconventional. They opened against No. 14 Penn, then faced off with No. 11 VCU before upsetting No. 2 Houston. But then the Fighting Illini played No. 9 Iowa. On the other hand, UConn had to battle No. 3 Michigan State and upset No. 1 Duke. The Huskies are ready for tough and close games – they have already won two titles in this decade.
It’s going to be a clash of different identities. Illinois shoots the ball extremely well, wants rhythm, and dominates the boards. They average 41 rebounds per game. But the Huskies are notorious for their pesky, aggressive, gritty defense that is a nightmare for their opponents. UConn must box out well and limit Illinois second chance points to stay in the game.
The Fighting Illini must stay patient on offense, create good looks, and take high-percentage shots. They will rely on freshman superstar Keaton Wagler to get going early and dictate the flow of the matchup. Avoiding turnovers will prove critical. Despite Illinois being the favorite, UConn will use their balanced roster, force Illinois into uncomfortable situations, and punch their ticket to the national championship game in a nail-biting thriller.
Eric: Illinois
Time to play devil's advocate for a minute. Illinois not only knocked off a No. 2 seed in Houston by double digits, but all of their wins have been by double digits this tournament. From the second round onward, they have not let a single team score more than 60 points.
Let me repeat that - Illinois have not let a single team score more than 60 points since the second round. They are by far and large the best defensive team left in this tournament. Their defense is so ridiculous that they beat Iowa by 12 points despite shooting 18% (3-17) from three-point range.
Are wins against Michigan State and Duke more impressive than Houston and Iowa? Certainly. UConn is arguably the best-coached team in the tournament. And they're going to butt heads with more than just refs against an Illinois team that scored at least 35 points in the paint in three of their four tournament games.
Despite being the lower seed, they're the favorites for a reason. I'm looking at a BIG 10 National Championship matchup when all is said and done.
(1) Arizona vs. (1) Michigan
David: Arizona
Two teams who have largely dominated their respective regions en route to the Final Four, I think this could be the game of the tournament.
Arizona showed their ability to get through some adversity for the first time this tournament after trailing at the half against Purdue. In the end, the Wildcats found a way to win reasonably comfortably in the end. In contrast, Michigan hardly looked bothered against Tennessee, dominating the Volunteers from the get-go.
While the Wolverines have looked the best of the four teams left in the tournament so far, this is easily their toughest opponent yet. I like what I see out of Arizona, who know how to find a way to win.
I said that the Wildcats would be cutting down the nets before, and I will stick with that. Zona will win in a close contest.
Michaela: Michigan
The collision of the two first-seeds feels like a coin flip and promises an electrifying ball game. The margin between the Wildcats and the Wolverines is ridiculously small, and this semifinal will thrive on details and the ability to execute plays near perfection.
This matchup will come down to the wire.
This is where experience meets youth – Michigan’s top scorers are a senior and a sophomore, while Arizona is led by two freshmen. Guard Brayden Burries averages 16.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game and is projected to be selected around the 10th spot. If he carries Arizona to the title game and turns into an x-factor, he could even crack the top 10.
The Wolverines trust Yaxel Lendeborg, a graduate forward who has been sensational in the NCAA tournament. He averages 21 points and 7.3 rebounds while competing in March Madness. Michigan will need him to contribute on both ends of the floor. Both schools post almost identical numbers regarding scoring, defense, rebounding, and shooting percentage.
The Wildcats are excellent in drawing fouls, so if Michigan contests without fouling, they will survive and advance. But Michigan holds a slight size advantage, and it will give the Wolverines the edge.
Eric: Michigan
If you look up the word "dominance" in the dictionary, I'm more than positive it'll have a picture of Michigan next to it after this tournament. Even in the Elite 8, they put up yet another 90+ point game and have been the only team to score that many points in each of their games.
Arizona is a team you don't want to play against when you push them up against a wall, because they will claw their way back and find a way to win. In other words, don't give them a chance. Michigan needs to get out to a dominant start right away and they're poised to do so - they haven't scored fewer than 47 points in the first half of any game all tournament.
While Arizona has put up over 50 in the first half of two of their four games, they failed to score 40 in the first half of the others. Michigan's consistency is to be very aware of heading into this game.
If Michigan puts up 45+ and holds Arizona to around 35 in the first half, that's going to be a very difficult task to overcome for the Wildcats, no matter how capable they are. However, anyone thinking Michigan, or Arizona, will go into this game and blow out the other hasn't been paying attention.
A clash of two No. 1 seeds with the highest stakes on the line - Michigan's experience pulls through in the end.