Men’s Final Four power rankings: How do Illinois, UConn, Arizona and Michigan stack up?
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- The Final Four lineup is set with Arizona, Michigan, UConn, and Illinois advancing, highlighted by a thrilling Duke vs. UConn Elite Eight game featuring a dramatic buzzer-beater by UConn's Braylon Mullins.
- Arizona and Michigan, both dominant teams with only five combined losses this season, face off in the semifinals, creating a highly anticipated matchup between two of the best teams.
- UConn and Illinois, though not No. 1 seeds, are strong contenders capable of winning the championship, with UConn having defeated multiple top seeds this season and Illinois known for a high-variance, unpredictable style.
- Unlike last year, this Final Four does not feature all No. 1 seeds or any Cinderella teams, but it promises intense and competitive games leading to the championship on Monday night.
- The article is part of the Bracket Central series sponsored by E*Trade from Morgan Stanley, with full editorial independence maintained by The Athletic.
