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Final Four bold predictions: Which drought continues? Who wins it all?
- Story by
- Final Four bold predictions: Which drought continues? Who wins it all?
It all comes down to this. What wild things will go down in the Final Four ?
There have been some incredible moments that have made the 2026 Men's NCAA Tournament unforgettable, truly encapsulating what makes March Madness such a spectacle. It only makes sense those instant classics continue on the sport's biggest stage, with Arizona , Michigan , Connecticut and Illinois headed to Indianapolis, two wins away from becoming national champions.
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With just three games left in the season, it's time for one more batch of bold predictions, just in time for the 2026 Final Four.
King of the Blue Bloods? How UConn can pass Duke this weekend
Illinois Fighting Illini center Zvonimir Ivisic (44) dunks the ball against the Penn Quakers in the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
(Bob Donnan-Imagn Images)
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) celebrates after scoring Thursday, March 19, 2026, during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament first round game against the Penn Quakers at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
(Alex Martin/Greenville News)
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) is defended by Penn Quakers guard AJ Levine (0) Thursday, March 19, 2026, during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament first round game at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
(Alex Martin/Greenville News)
Penn Quakers guard Michael Zanoni (7) and Penn Quakers guard AJ Levine (0) defend Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic (13) Thursday, March 19, 2026, during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament first round game at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina. Illinois Fighting Illini won 105-70.
(Alex Martin/Greenville News)
Kylan Boswell #4 of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts with teammates after a basket and a foul during the second half against the Penn Quakers in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, South Carolina.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
Ben Humrichous #3 of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts after making a 3-pointer during the first half against the Penn Quakers in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, South Carolina.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
Keaton Wagler #23 of the Illinois Fighting Illini drives the ball against Cam Thrower #5 of the Penn Quakers during the first half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, South Carolina.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
The Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic (13) reacts after a play during the second half against the VCU Rams during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
(Bob Donnan-Imagn Images)
Illinois Fighting Illini celebrates after a play during the second half against the VCU Rams during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
(Bob Donnan-Imagn Images)
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) dunks the ball during the second half against the VCU Rams during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
(Bob Donnan-Imagn Images)
Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) celebrates after scoring Saturday, March 21, 2026, during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament second round game against the VCU Rams at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
(Alex Martin/Greenville News)
Fans cheer Saturday, March 21, 2026, during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament second round game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the VCU Rams at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
(Alex Martin/Greenville News)
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) shakes hands with VCU Rams guard Nyk Lewis (1) March 21, 2026 after the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament second round game at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina)
Illinois Fighting Illini center Zvonimir Ivisic (44) reacts after teammate Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) scored March 21, 2026 during the second half of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament second round game with VCU Rams at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina)
Illinois Fighting Illini center Zvonimir Ivisic (44) dunks against VCU Rams March 21, 2026 during the second half of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament second round game at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina)
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) scores near VCU Rams forward Michael Belle (8) March 21, 2026 during the first half of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament second round East Region game at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina)
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) dunks the ball past VCU Rams forward Lazar Djokovic (17) Saturday, March 21, 2026, during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament second round game at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
(Alex Martin/Greenville News)
Zvonimir Ivisic #44 of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrates against the Houston Cougars during the first half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Toyota Center on March 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
Illinois Fighting Illini fans cheer against the Houston Cougars during the second half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Toyota Center on March 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
(Kenneth Richmond, Getty Images)
David Mirkovic #0 of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks for the rebound against the Houston Cougars in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Toyota Center on March 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic (13) grabs a rebound against the Houston Cougars in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.
(Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images)
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) shoots on Houston Cougars forward Kalifa Sakho (14) in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.
(Troy Taormina-Imagn Images)
Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) reacts against the Houston Cougars in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.
(Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images)
Andrej Stojakovic #2 and Keaton Wagler #23 of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrate after defeating the Houston Cougars in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Toyota Center on March 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas
(Kenneth Richmond, Getty Images)
Kylan Boswell #4 and Keaton Wagler #23 of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrate after defeating the Houston Cougars in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Toyota Center on March 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) shoots against Iowa Hawkeyes guard Tavion Banks (6) in the first half during an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.
(Troy Taormina, Troy Taormina-Imagn Images)
(L-R) Keaton Wagler #23, David Mirkovic #0 and Kylan Boswell #4 of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrate after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Toyota Center on March 28, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
Keaton Wagler #23 of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrates after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Toyota Center on March 28, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
Illinois Fighting Illini center Zvonimir Ivisic (44) and forward Ben Humrichous (3) celebrate after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.
(Troy Taormina-Imagn Images)
Illinois Fighting Illini forward Jake Davis (15) reacts in the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes during an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.
(Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images)
(L-R) Keaton Wagler #23, Kylan Boswell #4 and David Mirkovic #0 of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrate after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Toyota Center on March 28, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood celebrates with the trophy on the podium after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.
(Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images)
Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood celebrates after cutting down the net after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.
(Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images)
Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic (13) cuts down the net after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.
(Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images)
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Final Four
Illinois Fighting Illini center Zvonimir Ivisic (44) dunks the ball against the Penn Quakers in the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
(Bob Donnan-Imagn Images)
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Final Four
Illinois Fighting Illini center Zvonimir Ivisic (44) dunks the ball against the Penn Quakers in the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
(Bob Donnan-Imagn Images)
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Final Four
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) celebrates after scoring Thursday, March 19, 2026, during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament first round game against the Penn Quakers at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
(Alex Martin/Greenville News)
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Final Four
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) is defended by Penn Quakers guard AJ Levine (0) Thursday, March 19, 2026, during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament first round game at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
(Alex Martin/Greenville News)
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Final Four
Penn Quakers guard Michael Zanoni (7) and Penn Quakers guard AJ Levine (0) defend Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic (13) Thursday, March 19, 2026, during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament first round game at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina. Illinois Fighting Illini won 105-70.
(Alex Martin/Greenville News)
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Final Four
Kylan Boswell #4 of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts with teammates after a basket and a foul during the second half against the Penn Quakers in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, South Carolina.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Final Four
Ben Humrichous #3 of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts after making a 3-pointer during the first half against the Penn Quakers in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, South Carolina.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Final Four
Keaton Wagler #23 of the Illinois Fighting Illini drives the ball against Cam Thrower #5 of the Penn Quakers during the first half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, South Carolina.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Final Four
The Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic (13) reacts after a play during the second half against the VCU Rams during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
(Bob Donnan-Imagn Images)
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Final Four
Illinois Fighting Illini celebrates after a play during the second half against the VCU Rams during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
(Bob Donnan-Imagn Images)
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Final Four
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) dunks the ball during the second half against the VCU Rams during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
(Bob Donnan-Imagn Images)
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Final Four
Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) celebrates after scoring Saturday, March 21, 2026, during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament second round game against the VCU Rams at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
(Alex Martin/Greenville News)
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Final Four
Fans cheer Saturday, March 21, 2026, during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament second round game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the VCU Rams at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
(Alex Martin/Greenville News)
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Final Four
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) shakes hands with VCU Rams guard Nyk Lewis (1) March 21, 2026 after the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament second round game at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina)
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Final Four
Illinois Fighting Illini center Zvonimir Ivisic (44) reacts after teammate Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) scored March 21, 2026 during the second half of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament second round game with VCU Rams at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina)
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Final Four
Illinois Fighting Illini center Zvonimir Ivisic (44) dunks against VCU Rams March 21, 2026 during the second half of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament second round game at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina)
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Final Four
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) scores near VCU Rams forward Michael Belle (8) March 21, 2026 during the first half of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament second round East Region game at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina)
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Final Four
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) dunks the ball past VCU Rams forward Lazar Djokovic (17) Saturday, March 21, 2026, during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament second round game at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
(Alex Martin/Greenville News)
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Final Four
Zvonimir Ivisic #44 of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrates against the Houston Cougars during the first half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Toyota Center on March 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Final Four
Illinois Fighting Illini fans cheer against the Houston Cougars during the second half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Toyota Center on March 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
(Kenneth Richmond, Getty Images)
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Final Four
David Mirkovic #0 of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks for the rebound against the Houston Cougars in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Toyota Center on March 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Final Four
Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic (13) grabs a rebound against the Houston Cougars in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.
(Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images)
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Final Four
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) shoots on Houston Cougars forward Kalifa Sakho (14) in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.
(Troy Taormina-Imagn Images)
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Final Four
Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) reacts against the Houston Cougars in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.
(Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images)
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Final Four
Andrej Stojakovic #2 and Keaton Wagler #23 of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrate after defeating the Houston Cougars in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Toyota Center on March 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas
(Kenneth Richmond, Getty Images)
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Final Four
Kylan Boswell #4 and Keaton Wagler #23 of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrate after defeating the Houston Cougars in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Toyota Center on March 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Final Four
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) shoots against Iowa Hawkeyes guard Tavion Banks (6) in the first half during an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.
(Troy Taormina, Troy Taormina-Imagn Images)
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Final Four
(L-R) Keaton Wagler #23, David Mirkovic #0 and Kylan Boswell #4 of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrate after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Toyota Center on March 28, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Final Four
Keaton Wagler #23 of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrates after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Toyota Center on March 28, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Final Four
Illinois Fighting Illini center Zvonimir Ivisic (44) and forward Ben Humrichous (3) celebrate after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.
(Troy Taormina-Imagn Images)
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Final Four
Illinois Fighting Illini forward Jake Davis (15) reacts in the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes during an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.
(Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images)
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Final Four
(L-R) Keaton Wagler #23, Kylan Boswell #4 and David Mirkovic #0 of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrate after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Toyota Center on March 28, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Final Four
Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood celebrates with the trophy on the podium after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.
(Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images)
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Final Four
Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood celebrates after cutting down the net after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.
(Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images)
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball's run to 2026 Final Four
Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic (13) cuts down the net after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.
(Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images)
Buzzer-beating shot
There have been so many clutch plays during this tournament in the final seconds, why not go for another?
One thing that will carry over from last season's Final Four is all of the participants are pretty evenly matched. You could make a plausible case for every one of them to end up on top, which is why we will have some extremely close games in Lucas Oil Stadium.
All of the 2025 Final Four games were decided by six points or less, and that will happen once again. Whether its the semifinals or the championship, it goes all the way down to the final seconds, with someone becoming the hero for their team.
Iowa State Cyclones fans cheer against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Enterprise Center on March 22, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri.
Kansas Jayhawks cheerleaders perform before a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the St. John's Red Storm at Viejas Arena on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, Calif.
(Denis Poroy, Imagn Images)
Nebraska's Berke Buyuktuncel celebrates with fans following a second-round game in the NCAA men's basketball tournament between Nebraska Cornhuskers and Vanderbilt Commodores at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on March 21, 2026.
Arkansas Razorbacks cheerleaders in the second half against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Ore.
VCU Rams fans react after a 3-pointer by Terrence Hill Jr. #6 of the VCU Rams in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
Howard Bison cheerleaders perform during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Michigan Wolverines at Keybank Center on Mar 19, 2026 in Buffalo, NY.
(Mark Konezny, Imagn Images)
BYU Cougars cheerleader in the second half against the Texas Longhorns during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center on Mar 19, 2026 in Portland, Ore.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
Former North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams is seen in the crowd against the VCU Rams in the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Mar 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
Texas A&M Aggies cheerleaders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
(William Purnell, Imagn Images)
Texas Longhorns band in the first half against the BYU Cougars during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center on Mar 19, 2026 in Portland.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
St. John's Red Storm mascot Johnny Thunder mixes with players prior to taking the court during practice day ahead of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 19, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
A Texas Christian University Horned Frogs cheerleader practices before the game during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
The High Point Panthers fans cheer during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Troy Wayrynen, Imagn Images)
The High Point Panthers cheerleaders react during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
The North Dakota State Bison mascot and cheerleaders pose for a photo before the game against the Michigan State Spartans during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center on March 19, 2026 in Buffalo, NY
(Gregory Fisher, Imagn Images)
Nebraska Cornhuskers fans cheer after defeating the Troy Trojans during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
(Alonzo Adams, Imagn Images)
The Wisconsin Badgers mascot performs during a time out during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the High Point Panthers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
A view of Buddy the Street Dog as Queens University of Charlotte Royals guard Yoav Berman talks to the media during a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center in St. Louis on March 19, 2026.
(Jeff Le, Imagn Images)
The High Point Panthers band performs prior to a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
High Point Panthers fans cheer prior to a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
The Wisconsin Badgers cheerleaders preform during the first half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the High Point Panthers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
The South Florida Bulls mascot performs during the second half against the Louisville Cardinals during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center on March 19, 2026 in Buffalo, NY.
(Mark Konezny, Imagn Images)
The Texas Christian University Horned Frogs cheerleaders perform in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Jim Dedmon, Imagn Images)
The Troy Trojans mascot dances on the floor during the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
(William Purnell, William Purnell-Imagn Images)
The UCF Knights band performs during a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 19, 2026 in Philadelphia.
(Bill Streicher, Imagn Images)
Nebraska Cornhuskers cheerleaders perform during the second half against the Troy Trojans during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
(William Purnell, Imagn Images)
A Wisconsin Badgers cheerleader performs during the first half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the High Point Panthers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
The Ohio State Buckeyes cheerleaders perform in the second half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
Akron Zips fans in the first half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)
Texas Tech Red Raiders cheerleaders in the first half against the Akron Zips during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
Santa Clara Broncos fans react to game play against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center on March 20, 2026 in St. Louis, MO.
(Jeff Le, Jeff Le-Imagn Images)
Akron Zips cheerleaders and mascot in the second half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)
Wright State Raiders fans celebrate after a Wright State Raiders guard TJ Burch (22) scores during the second half against the Virginia Cavaliers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 20, 2026 in Philadelphia, PA.
(Bill Streicher, Bill Streicher-Imagn Images)
Hofstra Pride cheerleaders in the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)
Garth Noble of the Louisville pep band is amped at the 2026 NCAA Women's March Madness basketball tournament at the KFC Yum Center In Louisville, Kentucky. March 21, 2026.
(Matt Stone/Courier Journal)
Michigan head coach Dusty May high-fives players after 95-72 win over Saint Louis at the NCAA Tournament Second Round at KeyBank Center in Buffalo on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY NETWORK)
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish band and spirit squad cheer during the first round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament against the Fairfield Stags at Ohio State's Schottenstein Center in Columbus on March 21, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch)
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Iowa State Cyclones fans cheer against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Enterprise Center on March 22, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri.
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See best of March Madness 2026, from mascots and fans to celebrities
Iowa State Cyclones fans cheer against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Enterprise Center on March 22, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri.
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Kansas Jayhawks cheerleaders perform before a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the St. John's Red Storm at Viejas Arena on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, Calif.
(Denis Poroy, Imagn Images)
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Nebraska's Berke Buyuktuncel celebrates with fans following a second-round game in the NCAA men's basketball tournament between Nebraska Cornhuskers and Vanderbilt Commodores at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on March 21, 2026.
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Arkansas Razorbacks cheerleaders in the second half against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Ore.
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VCU Rams fans react after a 3-pointer by Terrence Hill Jr. #6 of the VCU Rams in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
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Howard Bison cheerleaders perform during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Michigan Wolverines at Keybank Center on Mar 19, 2026 in Buffalo, NY.
(Mark Konezny, Imagn Images)
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BYU Cougars cheerleader in the second half against the Texas Longhorns during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center on Mar 19, 2026 in Portland, Ore.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
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Former North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams is seen in the crowd against the VCU Rams in the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Mar 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
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Texas A&M Aggies cheerleaders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
(William Purnell, Imagn Images)
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Texas Longhorns band in the first half against the BYU Cougars during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center on Mar 19, 2026 in Portland.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
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St. John's Red Storm mascot Johnny Thunder mixes with players prior to taking the court during practice day ahead of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 19, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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A Texas Christian University Horned Frogs cheerleader practices before the game during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
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The High Point Panthers fans cheer during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Troy Wayrynen, Imagn Images)
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The High Point Panthers cheerleaders react during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
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The North Dakota State Bison mascot and cheerleaders pose for a photo before the game against the Michigan State Spartans during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center on March 19, 2026 in Buffalo, NY
(Gregory Fisher, Imagn Images)
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Nebraska Cornhuskers fans cheer after defeating the Troy Trojans during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
(Alonzo Adams, Imagn Images)
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The Wisconsin Badgers mascot performs during a time out during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the High Point Panthers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
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A view of Buddy the Street Dog as Queens University of Charlotte Royals guard Yoav Berman talks to the media during a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center in St. Louis on March 19, 2026.
(Jeff Le, Imagn Images)
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The High Point Panthers band performs prior to a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
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High Point Panthers fans cheer prior to a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
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The Wisconsin Badgers cheerleaders preform during the first half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the High Point Panthers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
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The South Florida Bulls mascot performs during the second half against the Louisville Cardinals during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center on March 19, 2026 in Buffalo, NY.
(Mark Konezny, Imagn Images)
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The Texas Christian University Horned Frogs cheerleaders perform in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Jim Dedmon, Imagn Images)
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The Troy Trojans mascot dances on the floor during the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
(William Purnell, William Purnell-Imagn Images)
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The UCF Knights band performs during a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 19, 2026 in Philadelphia.
(Bill Streicher, Imagn Images)
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Nebraska Cornhuskers cheerleaders perform during the second half against the Troy Trojans during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
(William Purnell, Imagn Images)
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A Wisconsin Badgers cheerleader performs during the first half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the High Point Panthers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
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The Ohio State Buckeyes cheerleaders perform in the second half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
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Akron Zips fans in the first half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)
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Texas Tech Red Raiders cheerleaders in the first half against the Akron Zips during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
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Santa Clara Broncos fans react to game play against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center on March 20, 2026 in St. Louis, MO.
(Jeff Le, Jeff Le-Imagn Images)
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Akron Zips cheerleaders and mascot in the second half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)
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Wright State Raiders fans celebrate after a Wright State Raiders guard TJ Burch (22) scores during the second half against the Virginia Cavaliers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 20, 2026 in Philadelphia, PA.
(Bill Streicher, Bill Streicher-Imagn Images)
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Hofstra Pride cheerleaders in the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)
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Garth Noble of the Louisville pep band is amped at the 2026 NCAA Women's March Madness basketball tournament at the KFC Yum Center In Louisville, Kentucky. March 21, 2026.
(Matt Stone/Courier Journal)
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Michigan head coach Dusty May high-fives players after 95-72 win over Saint Louis at the NCAA Tournament Second Round at KeyBank Center in Buffalo on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY NETWORK)
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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish band and spirit squad cheer during the first round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament against the Fairfield Stags at Ohio State's Schottenstein Center in Columbus on March 21, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch)
UConn extends Final Four streak
The Final Four round is getting close to being called the Connecticut Invitational, and the Huskies will prove why on Saturday, April 4.
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In its seven Final Four appearances, UConn has advanced and won the national championship game six times, currently riding a four-game winning streak in the semifinals. Dan Hurley has yet to lose after the round of 32, with a 10-0 record in the Sweet 16 or later. It's truly some mind boggling success UConn has on the biggest stage.
In the Final Four, UConn continues that run. The Huskies are going to have their hands full dealing with the scoring threat of Illinois, but the Huskies are one of the most experienced teams in the quartet. Alex Karaban comes up big down the stretch for some key buckets to get UConn its fifth straight Final Four round win, and back to the title game for the third time in four years.
Michigan Wolverines guard Roddy Gayle Jr. (11) shakes hands with forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) against the Howard Bison during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center.
(Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images)
Michigan Wolverines center Aday Mara (15) dunks the ball against Howard Bison guard Bryce Harris (34) during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center.
(Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images)
Michigan Wolverines head coach Dusty May talks to forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) before a substitution against the Howard Bison during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center.
(Mark Konezny-Imagn Images)
Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) shoots the ball against Howard Bison guards Cam Gillus (2) and Alex Cotton (4) during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center.
(Mark Konezny-Imagn Images)
Michigan Wolverines guard Nimari Burnett (4) dunks the ball against the Howard Bison during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center.
(Mark Konezny-Imagn Images)
Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) reacts after a dunk in the first half against the Saint Louis Billikens during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center.
(Mark Konezny-Imagn Images)
Michigan Wolverines bench reacts in the second half against the Saint Louis Billikens during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center.
(Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images)
Yaxel Lendeborg #23 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates with his teammates after defeating the Saint Louis Billikens in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at KeyBank Center on March 21, 2026 in Buffalo, New York.
(Ishika Samant, Getty Images)
Aday Mara #15 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates with fans after defeating the Saint Louis Billikens in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at KeyBank Center on March 21, 2026 in Buffalo, New York.
(Ishika Samant, Getty Images)
Yaxel Lendeborg #23 of the Michigan Wolverines dunks the ball against the Saint Louis Billikens in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at KeyBank Center on March 21, 2026 in Buffalo, New York.
(Ishika Samant, Getty Images)
Michigan Wolverines huddles during a Sweet Sixteen game of the Midwest Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Alabama Crimson Tide at United Center.
(Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) reacts in the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide during a Sweet Sixteen game of the Midwest Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at United Center.
(David Banks, David Banks-Imagn Images)
Michigan Director of Basketball Operations KT Harrell, left, and Director of Player Development Drew Williamson celebrate a play against Alabama during the first half of NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 round at United Center in Chicago on Friday, March 27, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) reacts after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide in a Sweet Sixteen game of the Midwest Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at United Center.
(Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
Yaxel Lendeborg #23 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates a basket against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
Elliot Cadeau #3 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates a basket against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
Trey McKenney #1 and Yaxel Lendeborg #23 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates during the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
Head coach Dusty May of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates the 90-77 win against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)
Morez Johnson Jr. #21 and Roddy Gayle Jr. #11 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrate against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
Head coach Dusty May of the Michigan Wolverines reacts against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 29, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
Yaxel Lendeborg #23 embraces Aday Mara #15 of the Michigan Wolverines on the bench against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 29, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)
Yaxel Lendeborg #23, Aday Mara #15, and L.J. Cason #2 of the Michigan Wolverines react on the bench against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 29, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) reacts in the second half against the Tennessee Volunteers during an Elite Eight game of the Midwest Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at United Center.
(Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) reacts in the second half against the Tennessee Volunteers during an Elite Eight game of the Midwest Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at United Center.
(Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) reacts from the bench in the second half against the Tennessee Volunteers during an Elite Eight game of the Midwest Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at United Center.
(Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
Michigan Wolverines forward Morez Johnson Jr. (21) dunks the ball in the second half against the Tennessee Volunteers during an Elite Eight game of the Midwest Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at United Center.
(Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
Yaxel Lendeborg #23 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 29, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)
Elliot Cadeau #3, Yaxel Lendeborg #23, and Roddy Gayle Jr. #11 of the Michigan Wolverines react against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 29, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)
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Michigan Wolverines guard Roddy Gayle Jr. (11) shakes hands with forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) against the Howard Bison during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center.
(Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images)
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Michigan Wolverines guard Roddy Gayle Jr. (11) shakes hands with forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) against the Howard Bison during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center.
(Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images)
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Michigan Wolverines center Aday Mara (15) dunks the ball against Howard Bison guard Bryce Harris (34) during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center.
(Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images)
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Michigan Wolverines head coach Dusty May talks to forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) before a substitution against the Howard Bison during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center.
(Mark Konezny-Imagn Images)
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Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) shoots the ball against Howard Bison guards Cam Gillus (2) and Alex Cotton (4) during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center.
(Mark Konezny-Imagn Images)
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Michigan Wolverines guard Nimari Burnett (4) dunks the ball against the Howard Bison during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center.
(Mark Konezny-Imagn Images)
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Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) reacts after a dunk in the first half against the Saint Louis Billikens during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center.
(Mark Konezny-Imagn Images)
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Michigan Wolverines bench reacts in the second half against the Saint Louis Billikens during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center.
(Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images)
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Yaxel Lendeborg #23 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates with his teammates after defeating the Saint Louis Billikens in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at KeyBank Center on March 21, 2026 in Buffalo, New York.
(Ishika Samant, Getty Images)
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Aday Mara #15 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates with fans after defeating the Saint Louis Billikens in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at KeyBank Center on March 21, 2026 in Buffalo, New York.
(Ishika Samant, Getty Images)
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Yaxel Lendeborg #23 of the Michigan Wolverines dunks the ball against the Saint Louis Billikens in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at KeyBank Center on March 21, 2026 in Buffalo, New York.
(Ishika Samant, Getty Images)
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Michigan Wolverines huddles during a Sweet Sixteen game of the Midwest Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Alabama Crimson Tide at United Center.
(Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
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Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) reacts in the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide during a Sweet Sixteen game of the Midwest Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at United Center.
(David Banks, David Banks-Imagn Images)
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Michigan Director of Basketball Operations KT Harrell, left, and Director of Player Development Drew Williamson celebrate a play against Alabama during the first half of NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 round at United Center in Chicago on Friday, March 27, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) reacts after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide in a Sweet Sixteen game of the Midwest Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at United Center.
(Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
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Yaxel Lendeborg #23 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates a basket against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
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Elliot Cadeau #3 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates a basket against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
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Trey McKenney #1 and Yaxel Lendeborg #23 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates during the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
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Head coach Dusty May of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates the 90-77 win against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)
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Morez Johnson Jr. #21 and Roddy Gayle Jr. #11 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrate against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
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Head coach Dusty May of the Michigan Wolverines reacts against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 29, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
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Yaxel Lendeborg #23 embraces Aday Mara #15 of the Michigan Wolverines on the bench against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 29, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)
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Yaxel Lendeborg #23, Aday Mara #15, and L.J. Cason #2 of the Michigan Wolverines react on the bench against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 29, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
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Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) reacts in the second half against the Tennessee Volunteers during an Elite Eight game of the Midwest Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at United Center.
(Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
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Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) reacts in the second half against the Tennessee Volunteers during an Elite Eight game of the Midwest Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at United Center.
(Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
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Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) reacts from the bench in the second half against the Tennessee Volunteers during an Elite Eight game of the Midwest Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at United Center.
(Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
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Michigan Wolverines forward Morez Johnson Jr. (21) dunks the ball in the second half against the Tennessee Volunteers during an Elite Eight game of the Midwest Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at United Center.
(Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
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Yaxel Lendeborg #23 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 29, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)
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Elliot Cadeau #3, Yaxel Lendeborg #23, and Roddy Gayle Jr. #11 of the Michigan Wolverines react against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 29, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)
Big Ten title drought continues
This tournament has been all about the Big Tens success . However, it won't be able to punctuate it with a national championship.
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Getting two teams in the Final Four gives the Big Ten a 50% chance of claiming the title-winner, and there's a chance of it being an all-Big Ten championship game, which a conference hasn't done since the Big Eight had Kansas and Oklahoma in 1988. However, the Big Ten teams have some major task ahead of them. UConn's experience will come up clutch against Illinois, and Michigan faces a relentless Arizona team. Even though the Wolverines offense is on a level of its own, the Wildcats defense is able to limit it, and the deep rotation is able to land a few big blows to Michigan. Arizona makes the right plays at the end to win a classic.
With Illinois and Michigan losing, it means the streak without a Big Ten champion extends to 26 years, a tough ending after being the best conference in all of March.
Arizona Wildcats forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) reacts in the first half against the LIU Sharks during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena.
(Denis Poroy-Imagn Images)
Arizona Wildcats center Motiejus Krivas (13) and guard Brayden Burries (5) and forward Tobe Awaka (30) react with the bench in the second half against the LIU Sharks during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena.
(Denis Poroy, Denis Poroy-Imagn Images)
Arizona Wildcats forward Tobe Awaka (30) dunks against the Long Island University Sharks during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena.
(Kirby Lee, Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
Brayden Burries #5 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts during the first half against the Long Island University Sharks in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 20, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
Shadrak Lasu #22 of the Long Island University Sharks defends against Motiejus Krivas #13 of the Arizona Wildcats during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 20, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
Koa Peat #10 of the Arizona Wildcats shoots the ball against Mason Porter-Brown #6 of the Long Island University Sharks during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 20, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
Ivan Kharchenkov #8 of the Arizona Wildcats rebounds the ball in front of teammates Koa Peat #10 and Tobe Awaka #30 during the first half against the Utah State Aggies in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
Koa Peat #10 of the Arizona Wildcats speaks with teammates during the first half against the Utah State Aggies in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
Ivan Kharchenkov #8 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts during the second half against the Utah State Aggies in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
Arizona Wildcats forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) shoots against the Utah State Aggies in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena.
(Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) celebrates with guard Brayden Burries (5) after defeating the Utah State Aggies during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena.
(Denis Poroy, Denis Poroy-Imagn Images)
Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) celebrates after defeating the Utah State Aggies during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena.
(Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
Koa Peat #10 of the Arizona Wildcats dunks the ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 26, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)
Motiejus Krivas #13 of the Arizona Wildcats dunks the ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 26, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)
Head coach Tommy Lloyd of the Arizona Wildcats reacts after the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 26, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) dunks the ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
(Kyle Terada, Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)
Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) reaches for a loose ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center.
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
Arizona Wildcats guard Jaden Bradley (0) high-fives Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center.
(Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) celebrates after a play against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center.
(Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) dunks the ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center.
(Kyle Terada, Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)
Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) reacts after a pay against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center.
(Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
Anthony Dell'orso #3 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts after shooting a three point basket against the Purdue Boilermakers during the second half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images)
Jaden Bradley #0 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts during the second half of a game against the Purdue Boilermakers in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)
Ivan Kharchenkov #8 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts during the second half of a game against the Purdue Boilermakers in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)
Ivan Kharchenkov #8 of the Arizona Wildcats looks on during the second half of a game against the Purdue Boilermakers in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)
Bryce James #6, Koa Peat #10 and Brayden Burries #5 of the Arizona Wildcats celebrate after defeating the Purdue Boilermakers 79-64 in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images)
Brayden Burries #5 and Motiejus Krivas #13 of the Arizona Wildcats celebrate after defeating the defeating the Purdue Boilermakers 79-64 in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images)
Ivan Kharchenkov #8 of the Arizona Wildcats cuts down the net after defeating the Purdue Boilermakers 79-64 in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images)
Jaden Bradley #0 of the Arizona Wildcats cuts down the net afterdefeating the Purdue Boilermakers 79-64 in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)
Head coach Tommy Lloyd of the Arizona Wildcats cuts down the net after defeating the Purdue Boilermakers 79-64 in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images)
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Arizona Wildcats forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) reacts in the first half against the LIU Sharks during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena.
(Denis Poroy-Imagn Images)
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Arizona Wildcats forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) reacts in the first half against the LIU Sharks during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena.
(Denis Poroy-Imagn Images)
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Arizona Wildcats center Motiejus Krivas (13) and guard Brayden Burries (5) and forward Tobe Awaka (30) react with the bench in the second half against the LIU Sharks during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena.
(Denis Poroy, Denis Poroy-Imagn Images)
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Arizona Wildcats forward Tobe Awaka (30) dunks against the Long Island University Sharks during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena.
(Kirby Lee, Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
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Brayden Burries #5 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts during the first half against the Long Island University Sharks in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 20, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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Shadrak Lasu #22 of the Long Island University Sharks defends against Motiejus Krivas #13 of the Arizona Wildcats during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 20, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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Koa Peat #10 of the Arizona Wildcats shoots the ball against Mason Porter-Brown #6 of the Long Island University Sharks during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 20, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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Ivan Kharchenkov #8 of the Arizona Wildcats rebounds the ball in front of teammates Koa Peat #10 and Tobe Awaka #30 during the first half against the Utah State Aggies in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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Koa Peat #10 of the Arizona Wildcats speaks with teammates during the first half against the Utah State Aggies in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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Ivan Kharchenkov #8 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts during the second half against the Utah State Aggies in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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Arizona Wildcats forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) shoots against the Utah State Aggies in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena.
(Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
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Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) celebrates with guard Brayden Burries (5) after defeating the Utah State Aggies during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena.
(Denis Poroy, Denis Poroy-Imagn Images)
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Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) celebrates after defeating the Utah State Aggies during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena.
(Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
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Koa Peat #10 of the Arizona Wildcats dunks the ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 26, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)
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Motiejus Krivas #13 of the Arizona Wildcats dunks the ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 26, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)
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Head coach Tommy Lloyd of the Arizona Wildcats reacts after the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 26, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)
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Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) dunks the ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
(Kyle Terada, Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)
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Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) reaches for a loose ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center.
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
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Arizona Wildcats guard Jaden Bradley (0) high-fives Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center.
(Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
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Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) celebrates after a play against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center.
(Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
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Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) dunks the ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center.
(Kyle Terada, Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)
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Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) reacts after a pay against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center.
(Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
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Anthony Dell'orso #3 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts after shooting a three point basket against the Purdue Boilermakers during the second half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images)
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Jaden Bradley #0 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts during the second half of a game against the Purdue Boilermakers in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)
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Ivan Kharchenkov #8 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts during the second half of a game against the Purdue Boilermakers in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)
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Ivan Kharchenkov #8 of the Arizona Wildcats looks on during the second half of a game against the Purdue Boilermakers in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)
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Bryce James #6, Koa Peat #10 and Brayden Burries #5 of the Arizona Wildcats celebrate after defeating the Purdue Boilermakers 79-64 in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images)
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Brayden Burries #5 and Motiejus Krivas #13 of the Arizona Wildcats celebrate after defeating the defeating the Purdue Boilermakers 79-64 in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images)
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See the best photos of Arizona basketball's run to 2026 Final Four
Ivan Kharchenkov #8 of the Arizona Wildcats cuts down the net after defeating the Purdue Boilermakers 79-64 in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images)
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Jaden Bradley #0 of the Arizona Wildcats cuts down the net afterdefeating the Purdue Boilermakers 79-64 in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)
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Head coach Tommy Lloyd of the Arizona Wildcats cuts down the net after defeating the Purdue Boilermakers 79-64 in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images)
The West wins with Arizona taking it all
In 2026, the West Coast becomes the Best Coast.
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Arizona was the last West Coast team to win a national championship, back in 1997, and it will end up being the next one to win it all again. The Wildcats shed off the March woes that have plagued the program for most of the 21st century, thanks to a loaded team that can beat you in a multitude of ways. With too many weapons for teams to neutralize, Arizona powers through the field to claim its second national championship, winning it in the same city it won its first one in.
The West Coast has tried to claim the top prize this century, with Final Four trips from Arizona, UCLA, Gonzaga, Utah, Oregon and San Diego State all falling just short, but it will be the 2025-26 Wildcats that bring glory back to the region.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Final Four bold predictions: Who makes championship game, and wins it
