All eyes and ears in the men’s college basketball world this weekend turn to Indianapolis, where the star-studded Final Four converge to crown the 2026 national champion.
Only one member of this year’s quartet has never claimed the ultimate prize, though a couple of the other semifinalists are attempting to end title droughts that date back several decades. Then there’s the Beast of the Big East looking to continue a mini dynasty with a third net-cutting ceremony in four years.
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PREDICTIONS: Picks for Arizona-Michigan | Picks for Illinois-Connecticut
X-FACTORS: The four players key to their team’s national championship hopes
Here’s everything you need to know about Saturday’s semifinal matchups, including viewing info and keys to victory for all the participants.
No. 2 Connecticut vs. No. 3 Illinois
Time/TV: 6:09 p.m. ET, TBS
Taking the court first in Indianapolis will be the Huskies, fresh off one of the most improbable finishes in March Madness history, seeking that afore-mentioned third title in four seasons and the program’s seventh championship overall. This is the sixth semifinal appearance for the Fighting Illini, though they’ve yet to win the whole thing. They came close in their most recent trip in 2005 but fell five points short against North Carolina in the title game.
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As fate would have it, UConn and Illinois actually met earlier this season, with the Huskies taking a 74-61 decision way back on Nov. 28 at Madison Square Garden. Much has changed since then for both teams, as UConn’s new March Madness hero Braylon Mullins was just working his way into the rotation, and the Illini had yet to unlock their own freshman sensation Keaton Wagler.
One aspect that hasn’t changed for the UConn teams of its recent championship vintage is its relentless perimeter defense. Mullins has become a big part of that, as is veteran wingman Alex Karaban, and their second-half comeback against Duke showed their ability to adjust on the fly. Illinois’s Andrej Stojakovic can beat pressure with his driving ability, but he’ll likely have to make some passes, a less comfortable aspect of his game, to beat UConn’s inside help. The Illini can play defense as well, of course, and Zvonimir Ivisic can be an effective last line, swatting two blocks a game despite being on the floor for just 17.5 minutes on average. He and brother Tomaslav Ivisic will be needed to keep Huskies’ big man Tarris Reed at bay. Ultimately, the contest could hinge on each team’s No. 3 scoring options. Illinois David Mirkovic is an accurate shooter but needs to be in rhythm, and UConn’s Solo Ball is a high-volume launcher who can be quite streaky.
No. 1 Arizona vs. No. 1 Michigan
Time/TV: 8:49 p.m. ET, TBS
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These programs have enjoyed considerable success on the hardwood over the years, but they each own just one title, and it’s been a while for each of them. The Wildcats claimed their championship in 1997 but haven’t been to the Final Four since 2001. The Wolverines’ lone title came in 1989, though they’ve been to the final several times since, most recently in 2018.
Both current versions, however, spent time at No. 1 in the polls this season and very much expected to be here on the final weekend. For what it’s worth, Arizona can lay claim to being the hottest team left standing, as they ride a 13-game winning streak into Indianapolis and most recently conquered the Purdue squad responsible for Michigan’s defeat in the Big Ten title game. The Wolverines, however, are absolutely capable of beating anyone. Both teams also play an aesthetically pleasing brand of basketball with slick passing that leads to high-percentage shots, so it shouldn’t disappoint.
The Wildcats by and large keep their starting five in the game. What bench production they do get comes from Tobe Awaka and Anthony Dell’Orso, and both will likely be needed against Michigan’s deeper lineup. Sharpshooter Brayden Burries and forward Koa Peat handle much of the scoring, but Jaden Bradley keeps the whole machine operating, and Ivan Kharchenkov is a key contributor as well putting up over 10 points and 2.3 assists per outing. The toughest assignment for Arizona might belong to center Motiejus Krivas, who must contend with Michigan’s formidable frontcourt without encountering foul trouble. The Wolverines’ strong inside game starts with Yaxel Lendeborg, who can score from all levels, and also features 62.5% finisher Morez Johnson Jr. and Aday Mara in the middle. Losing L.J. Cason to a knee injury was a blow to the Wolverines’ back-court rotation, but Trey McKenney has provided valuable minutes off the bench of late. Elliot Cadeau is primarily the facilitator, but he’ll likely need to hit a few shots himself to counter the Wildcats’ numerous options.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: March Madness games today: Final Four schedule and game breakdowns
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