Experts All Make Same Pick for Illinois vs. UConn – And What They’re Missing

Heading into Illinois’ Final Four showdown with UConn, the numbers – at least ESPN’s – lean ever so slightly in the Illini’s direction. The only two non-No. 1 seeds remaining in the NCAA Tournament, both Illinois (No. 3 seed from South Region) and UConn (No. 2 seed from East Region) had to pull off upsets to get to Indianapolis.

But the Illini, who have controlled every game they’ve played in this tournament, have been the stronger of the two squads through four games, as the Huskies were forced to climb out of a 19-point hole against Duke in the Elite Eight.

Admittedly, UConn’s path through the tournament has been more grueling than that of Illinois. But between the eye test and the advanced analytics – the Illini have been the superior team on the season and in the tournament, according to both KenPom and Bart Torvik – it would be hard not to go with Illinois as the team to beat here.

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Or you would think so. But as far as five college basketball experts are concerned, UConn is the pick to turn back Illinois and reach its third Final Four in four seasons. What gives?

College basketball experts predict Illinois vs. UConn

Nov 28, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) reacts after getting fouled in the second half against the UConn Huskies at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

ESPN’s Jeff Borzello predicted UConn over Illinois by a final score of 74-72. ESPN’s Myron Medcalf is also riding with the Huskies, projecting the final score at 77-73.

CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein picked UConn over Illinois. He also has Michigan over Arizona in the other Final Four matchup, and then, somewhat surprisingly, UConn over Michigan for the title.

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CBS Sports’ Chris Walker said he is “definitely going UConn” over Illinois, while his other pick was Arizona over Michigan – and then UConn to win it all in the title game. Lots of Huskies love going around.

CBS Sports’ Wally Szczerbiak…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/experts-same-pick-illinois-vs-024149909.html

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Publish date : 2026-04-03 02:41:00

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