Jay Bilas predicts outcomes of both Final Four games
On3 • • general
Key Points:
- The 2026 NCAA Final Four features Arizona, Illinois, Michigan, and UConn, with games starting Saturday night at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis and the national championship game scheduled for Monday at 9 pm ET.
- ESPN analyst Jay Bilas predicts a championship matchup between Arizona and UConn, favoring UConn over Illinois despite Vegas odds, citing UConn’s strong championship pedigree and potential to win if they improve their shooting.
- Bilas praised Illinois for significant improvement since their November loss to UConn, highlighting their strong international recruiting and improved defense as key factors in their success.
- In the Arizona vs. Michigan matchup, Bilas views Arizona’s physical style as a critical advantage, suggesting Michigan will need a near-perfect game to counter Arizona’s dominance, especially at the free throw line.
- Both Final Four games will be broadcast on TBS, truTV, and HBO Max, with UConn facing Illinois at 6 pm ET and Arizona playing Michigan at 8:50 pm ET on Saturday.
