We're down to the Final Four of March Madness, and the matchups are mouth-watering for college basketball fans.
On one side of the bracket, UConn attempts to establish itself as a modern-day dynasty and faces an offensive juggernaut in Illinois.
Meanwhile, Arizona and Michigan are squaring off as two of the highest-rated teams in the modern era.
I break down both games and bring you my score predictions and March Madness picks for the Final Four on Saturday, April 4.
March Madness score predictions
| Matchup | Score prediction | Betting edge |
|---|---|---|
 Illinoisvs  UConn |
|
Illinois -1.5 -115 |
 Michiganvs  Arizona |
|
Arizona ML +100 |
Predictions made on 4-3.
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Best Final Four score predictions
Illinois vs UConn
Score prediction: Illinois 72-69
These teams clashed all the way back in November. Both lineups have changed since, but Illinois' familiarity with UConn's physicality, ball movement, and constant offensive motion will come in handy.
The Fighting Illini know how to prepare for this matchup, and four of the Huskies' five losses this season came against teams they were rematching.
Illinois boasts the highest-rated offense in the country, and its defense has made major strides in the tourney. The Illini shut down Houston and Iowa in back-to-back games by hedging ball screens and not allowing ball-handlers space to operate.
The Huskies will need to bomb Illinois from deep if they want to win, but their outside shooters (except for Alex Karaban) haven't been consistent enough for me to trust.
With the Illini doing a better job taking care of the ball and defending without fouling, I'll back them to cover in Indianapolis.
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Michigan vs Arizona
Score prediction: Arizona 80-78
This should be a razor-close game between two teams that have been dominant on both sides of the floor all season.
It will be a bloodbath in the paint, with both elite frontcourts finding more resistance than usual inside.
That means this game will likely come down to guard play. Michigan has a strong backcourt with Elliot Cadeau and Nimari Burnett, while Trey McKenney comes off the bench. However, the Wolverines aren't on the same level as Big 12 Player of the Year Jaden Bradley and freshman phenom Brayden Burries.
I know who I'd prefer with the ball in their hands in the final minutes of a close game, and that's why I'm riding with Arizona on Saturday night.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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