How UConn-Illinois, Arizona-Michigan will be decided in men's Final Four - ESPN

INDIANAPOLIS — The 2026 edition of the men's Final Four features some of the most dominant teams of the season.

Arizona spent nine straight weeks atop the AP poll after opening the season on a program-best 23-0 start. The Wildcats will face Michigan, the team that unseated them from No. 1, which is averaging 95.3 points per game in the NCAA tournament, the most by a team en route to the semifinals since Kentucky averaged 97.0 in 1993.

The two join Illinois in reaching the Final Four by winning every NCAA tournament game by double digits, marking the first time three teams have done that since 1973, per ESPN Research. The Fighting Illini will open the action Saturday against UConn, which is chasing its third national championship in four seasons. The Huskies have won their past two meetings with the Illini: in the Elite Eight during their 2024 title run and a nonconference meeting at Madison Square Garden in November.

Who will advance to Monday's national championship? ESPN college basketball reporters Jeff Borzello and Myron Medcalf break down what — and whose performances — could decide both games.

Borzello: Tarris Reed Jr.

Reed emerging as the modern-day Wilt Chamberlain in the NCAA tournament has transformed UConn. He has been the most dominant player in the field the past two weeks, bookended by a 31-point, 27-rebound performance against Furman in the first round and outperforming AP Player of the Year Cameron Boozer against Duke in the Elite Eight. Reed is averaging 21.8 points, 13.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.3 blocks in the tournament while shooting 60% from the field.

Reed will have to control the paint on offense and defense against Illinois. The Fighting Illini will look to contain his post scoring with