Did the Big Ten live up to predictions at the Final Four?

The Michigan Wolverines took care of business versus a worthy opponent at the Final Four, just as they have all tournament long. The Illinois Fighting Illini could not buy a bucket, and this time it cost them against a really good UConn Huskies team. Michigan heads into the title game Monday with all the confidence in the world, while Illinois' dream season comes to an end.

Here is a review of my bold predictions for the Final Four matchups featuring Big Ten teams: Illinois will have it going beyond the arc "Their last game was an anomaly as they shot 17. 6% from 3 vs Iowa. However, they still were able to win that game off of being dominant in other categories, but for them to knock off UConn, I think they will need to get back to their bread and butter.

I expect the Fighting Illini to shoot over 40% from 3 in this game, and that will be a big factor for them pulling out the victory" UConn made more shots in this game than Illinois, which was the big deciding factor. UConn did not shoot 40% from 3, but they made shots when it mattered, and they kept the lead because of it. Illinois could not chip away at the lead and take control of the game because it shot 23% from 3.

Illinois' bench will outperform UConn's "Andrej Stojakovic has been huge off the bench for Illinois, and when he is effective, Illinois's chances to win are much greater. He had 17 vs Iowa and 21 vs VCU off the bench. I expect him to lead the Fighting Illini with a 20-point game off the bench and to knock down a couple of triples.