2026 Final Four odds, betting: Expert picks, best bets, predictions, parlays for UConn vs. Illinois

Fresh off one of the most shocking and memorable finishes to an NCAA Tournament game, the Huskies of UConn take the court in Indianapolis against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the Final Four. UConn reaches the final weekend of the college basketball season for the third time in the last four years thanks to Braylon Mullins’ steal and 35-foot three-pointer with less than a second to go to help the Huskies’ complete the 19-point rally against the Duke Blue Devils. Still just a stunning turn of events.

Illinois advanced to the Final Four following a 71-59 win over Big Ten rival Iowa. The Illini won each of their four Tournament games to date by at least 10 points. Freshman Keaton Wagler was dominant against Iowa scoring 25 points including 7-7 from the free throw line to lead Illinois to its sixth Final Four but first since 2005.

That season, Illinois reached the title game but lost to North Carolina. Illinois’ offense is one of the most efficient in the nation, but it is their defense that has keyed this run to Indianapolis. They are a Top 10 defense since the start of the NCAA Tournament and they will need to be that good Saturday as UConn was the most efficient offense in the Big East this season.

Ultimately, the Illini defensively must control the play of Tarris Reed Jr. If the senior controls the paint and the glass as he has through the Huskies’ first four games of the tournament, UConn will play for their third title in four years Monday night. While UConn has to get Reed going and keep him out of foul trouble, they need someone…anyone…to step up and knock down some perimeter shots.