March Madness games today: Final Four schedule and game breakdowns

All eyes and ears in the men’s college basketball world this weekend turn to Indianapolis, where the star-studded Final Four converge to crown the 2026 national champion.

Only one member of this year’s quartet has never claimed the ultimate prize, though a couple of the other semifinalists are attempting to end title droughts that date back several decades. Then there’s the Beast of the Big East looking to continue a mini dynasty with a third net-cutting ceremony in four years.

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PREDICTIONS: Picks for Arizona-Michigan | Picks for Illinois-Connecticut

X-FACTORS: The four players key to their team’s national championship hopes

Here’s everything you need to know about Saturday’s semifinal matchups, including viewing info and keys to victory for all the participants.

No. 2 Connecticut vs. No. 3 Illinois

Time/TV: 6:09 p.m. ET, TBS

Taking the court first in Indianapolis will be the Huskies, fresh off one of the most improbable finishes in March Madness history, seeking that afore-mentioned third title in four seasons and the program’s seventh championship overall. This is the sixth semifinal appearance for the Fighting Illini, though they’ve yet to win the whole thing. They came close in their most recent trip in 2005 but fell five points short against North Carolina in the title game.

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As fate would have it, UConn and Illinois actually met earlier this season, with the Huskies taking a 74-61 decision way back on Nov. 28 at Madison Square Garden. Much has changed since then for both teams, as UConn’s new March Madness hero Braylon Mullins was just working his way into the rotation, and the Illini had yet to unlock their own freshman sensation Keaton Wagler.

One aspect that hasn’t changed for the UConn teams of its recent championship vintage is its relentless perimeter defense. Mullins has become a big part of that, as is veteran wingman Alex Karaban, and their second-half comeback against Duke showed their ability to adjust on the fly. Illinois’s Andrej Stojakovic can beat pressure with his driving ability, but he’ll likely have to make some passes, a less comfortable aspect of…

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Publish date : 2026-04-04 10:04:00

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