The Final Four is set, and one team has a clear edge over the field

Since 2023, the UConn Huskies have just one loss in the NCAA Tournament, a two-point defeat to Florida in last year’s second round. Seriously: That’s it. During that span, the Huskies have now reached the Final Four in three of the four years, with consecutive national championships in 2023 and 2024. Love him or hate him, Dan Hurley knows how to win in March. And that’s exactly why this year’s Huskies might be the new favorite to win it all again.

UConn needed a Hail Mary to defeat Duke, and its prayers were answered. The Huskies erased a 19-point deficit to defeat the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament behind one of the most memorable buzzer-beaters in college basketball history. And with all due respect to the talent of Michigan and Arizona especially, if there’s a team I’d be afraid of running into in Indy, it’s UConn. They’re battle-tested, and they were the ones to survive the brutal East Region against all odds.

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No matter how good Michigan and Arizona have been, they don’t have a recent NCAA Tournament resume that’s even close to comparable.

Why UConn’s recent March Madness dominance will be key in 2026 Final Four

UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley celebrates after a play against the Duke Blue Devils in the second half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images | Amber Searls-Imagn Images

In last year’s NCAA Tournament, the Huskies had a down year after every key player on that 2024 national title team either graduated or went to the NBA. The result was an early loss to the eventual national champions.

This year, they’re dominating in a different way. These Huskies have to fight through adversity to get their wins. Sure, they didn’t have too much of a problem in the first two rounds, but having to face Tom Izzo and then Duke in the same weekend will test anyone’s will. UConn had to stave off a Michigan State comeback in the Sweet 16 before Sunday’s…

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Publish date : 2026-03-30 22:00:00

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