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Trending News:The 36 Best Anti-Trend Spring Items for a Timeless WardrobeSouth African Stock Index Is Heading for Worst Month Since 2008Women often struggle with low libido in silence. Could the first 'female Viagra' help?UK’s big, risky AI bet – podcast3/29/2026: Inside the Tower; Unmanned; Wonder of the WorldDo Parents Propagate Inequality Among Children?Early Men’s Final Four preview: Arizona-Michigan, UConn-Illinois predictionsDeath Stranding 2’s PC port pushed it past 2 million copies soldAccess ErrorTrump suggests US could take Iran’s Kharg Island7 Reasons Why The F-22 Still Outperforms Newer JetsRio Tinto resumes operations at three Pilbara port terminals after cyclone NarelleIn Australia, Victoria and Tasmania Waive Transit Fares as Fuel Prices SoarSheffield Shield final 2025-26 – Vic v SA – Ryan Harris thinks Nathan McAndrew should be in the Test frameChanel’s Le19M Heads to Shanghai, Deepens Its Dialogue With AsiaIran live updates: Trump touts ‘big day’ in Iran with ‘many’ strikesGlen Powell is voicing Starfox’s Fox McCloud in the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy movieIran’s Attacks on Aluminum Plants Raise Risk of Supply CrisisBig retailers say UK jobs at risk from guaranteed hours reforms | Employment lawBy the 50th anniversary of Land Day, Palestinians lose most of their land | FeaturesPessimism takes root in UK as shoppers struggle to afford essentials | UK cost of living crisisDuke’s March collapses under Jon Scheyer are no longer a flukeInternational Petroleum Corp. Annual General Meeting to be held on May 6, 2026UK savers told to act now before Easter Sunday cash Isa deadline | Cash IsasColombian mayor says body found in search for missing American Airlines flight attendantAvatar Legends may be the first great Avatar: The Last Airbender gameMPs wary of move against Starmer while war is raging | LabourThieves steal Renoir, Cézanne and Matisse paintings worth millions from Italian museum | Art theftThe Best Technical Jackets for the Most Elegant Spring YetKosovo, one of Europe’s poorest countries, struggles as Iran war drives up fuel pricesHow the 'yellow house' of Yorkville spawned a glossy restaurant empireRanking Duke’s worst NCAA tournament losses since its last title, including that collapse vs. UConnAccess ErrorNumber of people helped by RNLI in UK and Channel Islands doubled in 2025 | CharitiesVideo Staying active in midlife may cut risk of early death in halfBoy, There Sure Was A Lot Of Bad News This Week, Right?Just a few minutes of effort could lower your risk of 8 major diseasesPhoto Gallery: Joni Mitchell sings onstage at the JunosAustralian Fund With $123 Billion Weighs Private Credit BoostYou might get some budget help with the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit. But experts worry it’s not enoughSeven years since Emiliano Sala's death, what has changed for the 'wild west' of football transfers?Bonjout Beauty Unveils La Cream Skin Longevity CrèmeTrump Says Iran Agreed to Allow 20 More Ships of Oil Through Strait of HormuzDaily Telegraph apologises as dispute reignites between pro-Israel activist and Middle Eastern restaurant Cairo | Australian mediaNow 23 Daily Australia FlightsJoni Mitchell sings onstage at the Junos, while Drake pays video tribute to Nelly FurtadoChinese Cargoes Hint at Fuels Relief for Neighbors Despite CurbsCanada’s Jeremy Hansen is about to fly to the moonOn the Beach for PS5 Drops to Just $29.99 During the Amazon Spring SaleTrump says he has “no problem” with Russian tanker bringing oil to Cuba despite blockadeHyo Joo Kim tops Nelly Korda again, wins LPGA’s Ford Champ.Amnesty warns of human rights risks at 2026 World Cup | World CupDid Anthony Albanese just cement a third interest rate hike in May by cutting the fuel excise? | Petrol pricesive been hearing a lot of people disappointed that…Stocks sag in Asia, Brent crude heading for record monthThese men carry towers of birds through Mexico's streets. They say their tradition is dyingWhy Do Cargo Airlines Still Prefer The Boeing 747 Over Newer Jets?6 Chic Celebrity Trainers and Leggings Outfits of 2026Urgent action needed to prevent surge in digital violence in Africa, experts say | Global developmentFive EU governments found to ‘consistently’ dismantle rule of law | Civil liberties – internationalPSL 2026 ball-tampering – Fakhar Zaman could be banned for one or two matchesAvatar Legends: The Fighting Game Hits Switch 1 & 2 This JulyRepublican bill takes aim at Online Streaming Act…US Plans to Allow Russian Tanker Into Cuba to Ease CrisisHow Many Air Traffic Controllers Are Needed Overnight?Artemis II: Everything you need to know about Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen and NASA’s mission back to the moonClaudia Goldin and the WNBAAccess ErrorKim Novak says Sydney Sweeney is ‘totally wrong to play me’ in biopic | Sydney SweeneyBC Hydro doesn’t want quickly available, low-cost energyIndian Rupee Surges as RBI’s Cap on Limits Sparks Dollar SalesAmid Michigan’s blissful trek to Final Four, Wolverines AD focuses on keeping Dusty May amid UNC chatterResident Evil Requiem’s photo mode is now here, as part of a patch ordering Leon and Grace to pull more emotive facesFrontier Passenger Triggers Security Scare After Bomb And Death ThreatsAsian shares decline as oil prices soar amid the war in Iran, echoing last week's Wall Street dropWATCH: Artemis II crew arrives at Kennedy Space CenterTrump says his ‘preference’ would be to ‘take the oil in Iran’Today’s NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints, Answers for March 30 #553Lauren Conrad ‘Laguna Beach’ Sweatshirt, T-Shirt at Kohl’s: Buy OnlineU.S. will let Russian oil tanker reach Cuba, breaking Trump’s effective fuel blockadevia Financial Post:
(Bloomberg) — Avi Lewis, a…Asian shares decline as oil prices soar amid the war in Iran, echoing last week’s Wall Street dropVictorian Liberal who defeated Moira Deeming to be dumped by party over character reference for sex offender | Victorian politicsElite 8 winners, losers: UConn comeback, droughts end, Duke chokes again'It's ridiculous': U.S. closing historic Border Road to Canadian trafficToday’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for March 30Batman: Arkham Origins has a graphics mod that looks like a remasterAustralian Sky Turns an Apocalyptic Blood RedAvi Lewis decisively wins federal NDP leadership; Alberta and Saskatchewan NDP leaders foolishly freak outAvi Lewis is the new NDP leader, as Alberta, Sask. leaders say his polices can 'hurt'Juno Awards 2026 top 6 moments: Tate McRae's no-show, The Beaches' big win and Jully Black takes a stand3/29: CBS Weekend News – CBS NewsWhy OpenAI really shut down SoraBomb threat at Four Seasons Toronto forces evacuationOil jumps, stocks slide ahead of U.S. stock market open as Iran war rounds one monthGary Woodland: US golfer wins Houston Open for first title since brain surgeryDenim Nails Are the Cool Nail Colour Everyone Is WearingIAEA says Iran’s Khondab heavy water reactor no longer operational | United Nations[Posted March 26th 2026] Multiple milk brands in…South Korea Weighs First Driving Curbs in 35 Years on Oil Crunch
After four rounds, 64 teams have been sent home and four remain in the hunt for a national championship. Connecticut, Arizona, Michigan and Illinois are en route to Indianapolis, two wins away from winning it all.
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Some of the representatives aren’t much of a surprise, as the top-seeded Wildcats and Wolverines have looked like a tier above the rest of the sport, and anything less than a Final Four appearance would have been a disappointment. The Huskies stunned its away back to a familiar place, and Illinois isn’t really a shocker and are far from an underdog after a very successful season, proving worthy of its spot.
Final Four predictions: Who will advance to 2026 National Championship?
IN-DEPTH: How Arizona players’ halftime talk ended 25 years of March Madness heartbreak
The results of the weekend not only impacted the championship race, but the sport as a whole. Here are the winners and losers of the Elite Eight:
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Winners
UConn’s comeback
UConn Huskies guard Braylon Mullins (24) celebrates after making the game-winning three-point basket 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.
A return to the Final Four didn’t seem possible when Connecticut was down 19 points late in the first half against Duke, but did the Huskies respond.
UConn clawed back in the second half, slowly chipping away at the lead before a 7-0 run put it in striking distance with under four minutes left. The Blue Devils couldn’t stop the momentum and Connecticut pulled out a shocking victory, punctuated by Braylon Mullins’ 3-pointer at the final second. UConn outscored Duke 44-28 in the final 20 minutes for its third trip to the Final Four in four seasons.
It was one of the largest comebacks in NCAA Tournament history, and UConn made Duke the first No. 1 seed to lose a game after being up by at least 15 points at halftime in an ending for the ages.
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Big Ten
The Big Ten rolls onto the biggest stage with the conference getting two teams into the Final Four with Michigan and Illinois. It’s the first time the conference has accomplished the feat since 2015 and fourth time since 1999.
The tournament has been a Big Ten showcase after seven of its nine teams won their first round game. It put a record four teams in the Elite Eight, and was guaranteed to get at least one Final Four team with the Illinois-Iowa winner, and could’ve had up to three, but two is still a very successful result.
It’s been the winner of every round so far. Now all that’s left is finishing it on top with a 50% shot at a national championship, the first since 2000. It could be sealed with an all-Big Ten title game, very much possible.
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See the best photos of Arizona basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Arizona Wildcats forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) reacts in the first half against the LIU Sharks during a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena.
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See the best photos of Arizona basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Arizona Wildcats forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) reacts in the first half against the LIU Sharks during a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena.
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See the best photos of Arizona basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Arizona Wildcats center Motiejus Krivas (13) and guard Brayden Burries (5) and forward Tobe Awaka (30) react with the bench in the second half against the LIU Sharks during a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena.
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See the best photos of Arizona basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Arizona Wildcats forward Tobe Awaka (30) dunks against the Long Island University Sharks during a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena.
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See the best photos of Arizona basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Brayden Burries #5 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts during the first half against the Long Island University Sharks in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 20, 2026 in San Diego, California.
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See the best photos of Arizona basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Shadrak Lasu #22 of the Long Island University Sharks defends against Motiejus Krivas #13 of the Arizona Wildcats during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 20, 2026 in San Diego, California.
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See the best photos of Arizona basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Koa Peat #10 of the Arizona Wildcats shoots the ball against Mason Porter-Brown #6 of the Long Island University Sharks during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 20, 2026 in San Diego, California.
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See the best photos of Arizona basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Ivan Kharchenkov #8 of the Arizona Wildcats rebounds the ball in front of teammates Koa Peat #10 and Tobe Awaka #30 during the first half against the Utah State Aggies in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
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See the best photos of Arizona basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Koa Peat #10 of the Arizona Wildcats speaks with teammates during the first half against the Utah State Aggies in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
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See the best photos of Arizona basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Ivan Kharchenkov #8 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts during the second half against the Utah State Aggies in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
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See the best photos of Arizona basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Arizona Wildcats forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) shoots against the Utah State Aggies in the second half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena.
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See the best photos of Arizona basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) celebrates with guard Brayden Burries (5) after defeating the Utah State Aggies during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena.
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See the best photos of Arizona basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) celebrates after defeating the Utah State Aggies during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena.
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Koa Peat #10 of the Arizona Wildcats dunks the ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 26, 2026 in San Jose, California.
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See the best photos of Arizona basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Motiejus Krivas #13 of the Arizona Wildcats dunks the ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 26, 2026 in San Jose, California.
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Head coach Tommy Lloyd of the Arizona Wildcats reacts after the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 26, 2026 in San Jose, California.
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Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) dunks the ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
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See the best photos of Arizona basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) reaches for a loose ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center.
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Arizona Wildcats guard Jaden Bradley (0) high-fives Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center.
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See the best photos of Arizona basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) celebrates after a play against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center.
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See the best photos of Arizona basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) dunks the ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center.
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See the best photos of Arizona basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) reacts after a pay against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center.
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Anthony Dell’orso #3 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts after shooting a three point basket against the Purdue Boilermakers during the second half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
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See the best photos of Arizona basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Jaden Bradley #0 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts during the second half of a game against the Purdue Boilermakers in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
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See the best photos of Arizona basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Ivan Kharchenkov #8 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts during the second half of a game against the Purdue Boilermakers in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
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See the best photos of Arizona basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Ivan Kharchenkov #8 of the Arizona Wildcats looks on during the second half of a game against the Purdue Boilermakers in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
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Bryce James #6, Koa Peat #10 and Brayden Burries #5 of the Arizona Wildcats celebrate after defeating the Purdue Boilermakers 79-64 in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
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Brayden Burries #5 and Motiejus Krivas #13 of the Arizona Wildcats celebrate after defeating the defeating the Purdue Boilermakers 79-64 in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
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See the best photos of Arizona basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Ivan Kharchenkov #8 of the Arizona Wildcats cuts down the net after defeating the Purdue Boilermakers 79-64 in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
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See the best photos of Arizona basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Jaden Bradley #0 of the Arizona Wildcats cuts down the net afterdefeating the Purdue Boilermakers 79-64 in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
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See the best photos of Arizona basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Head coach Tommy Lloyd of the Arizona Wildcats cuts down the net after defeating the Purdue Boilermakers 79-64 in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
Breaking droughts
The 2026 Final Four is more than two decades in the making for Arizona and Illinois, getting back to the final stage after falling short so many times.
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Arizona is in the Final Four for the first time since 2001, a relief on the shoulders of the Wildcats after losing all of its past five Elite Eight appearances. They did it in emphatic fashion with a major second half comeback over Purdue to cruise toward a stress-free finish against the Boilermakers. Illinois was able to put away the surprise run against Iowa to reach the semifinals for the first time since 2005, the last time it was close to winning its first national title.
Two successful programs redeemed years of frustrations, and not only have they finally broken through, but they are viable national championship contenders, with Arizona on the verge of its second title and Illinois on the cusp of its biggest accomplishment yet.
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Illinois Fighting Illini center Zvonimir Ivisic (44) dunks the ball against the Penn Quakers in the second half of a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Illinois Fighting Illini center Zvonimir Ivisic (44) dunks the ball against the Penn Quakers in the second half of a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) celebrates after scoring Thursday, March 19, 2026, during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament first round game against the Penn Quakers at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) is defended by Penn Quakers guard AJ Levine (0) Thursday, March 19, 2026, during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament first round game at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Penn Quakers guard Michael Zanoni (7) and Penn Quakers guard AJ Levine (0) defend Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic (13) Thursday, March 19, 2026, during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament first round game at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina. Illinois Fighting Illini won 105-70.
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Kylan Boswell #4 of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts with teammates after a basket and a foul during the second half against the Penn Quakers in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, South Carolina.
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Ben Humrichous #3 of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts after making a 3-pointer during the first half against the Penn Quakers in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, South Carolina.
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Keaton Wagler #23 of the Illinois Fighting Illini drives the ball against Cam Thrower #5 of the Penn Quakers during the first half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, South Carolina.
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
The Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic (13) reacts after a play during the second half against the VCU Rams during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Illinois Fighting Illini celebrates after a play during the second half against the VCU Rams during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) dunks the ball during the second half against the VCU Rams during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) celebrates after scoring Saturday, March 21, 2026, during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament second round game against the VCU Rams at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Fans cheer Saturday, March 21, 2026, during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament second round game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the VCU Rams at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
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See the best photos of Illinois basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) shakes hands with VCU Rams guard Nyk Lewis (1) March 21, 2026 after the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament second round game at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
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Illinois Fighting Illini center Zvonimir Ivisic (44) reacts after teammate Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) scored March 21, 2026 during the second half of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament second round game with VCU Rams at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
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Illinois Fighting Illini center Zvonimir Ivisic (44) dunks against VCU Rams March 21, 2026 during the second half of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament second round game at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
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Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) scores near VCU Rams forward Michael Belle (8) March 21, 2026 during the first half of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament second round East Region game at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
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Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) dunks the ball past VCU Rams forward Lazar Djokovic (17) Saturday, March 21, 2026, during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament second round game at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
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Zvonimir Ivisic #44 of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrates against the Houston Cougars during the first half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Toyota Center on March 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
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Illinois Fighting Illini fans cheer against the Houston Cougars during the second half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Toyota Center on March 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
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David Mirkovic #0 of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks for the rebound against the Houston Cougars in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Toyota Center on March 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
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Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic (13) grabs a rebound against the Houston Cougars in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the South Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.
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Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) shoots on Houston Cougars forward Kalifa Sakho (14) in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the South Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.
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Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) reacts against the Houston Cougars in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the South Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.
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Andrej Stojakovic #2 and Keaton Wagler #23 of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrate after defeating the Houston Cougars in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Toyota Center on March 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas
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Kylan Boswell #4 and Keaton Wagler #23 of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrate after defeating the Houston Cougars in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Toyota Center on March 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
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Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) shoots against Iowa Hawkeyes guard Tavion Banks (6) in the first half during an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.
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(L-R) Keaton Wagler #23, David Mirkovic #0 and Kylan Boswell #4 of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrate after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Toyota Center on March 28, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
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Keaton Wagler #23 of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrates after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Toyota Center on March 28, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
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Illinois Fighting Illini center Zvonimir Ivisic (44) and forward Ben Humrichous (3) celebrate after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.
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Illinois Fighting Illini forward Jake Davis (15) reacts in the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes during an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.
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(L-R) Keaton Wagler #23, Kylan Boswell #4 and David Mirkovic #0 of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrate after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Toyota Center on March 28, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
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Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood celebrates with the trophy on the podium after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.
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Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood celebrates after cutting down the net after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.
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Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic (13) cuts down the net after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.
Andrej Stojakovic
Watch out dad, son can definitely hoop, too. The son of Peja, Andrej Stojakovic came up clutch for Illinois, a catalyst for his team surviving and advancing.
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Iowa jumped out to a quick double-digit lead, but Stojakovic came in and helped his team recover quickly and eventually win. He made some clutch shots at the end and most importantly, defended Iowa star Bennett Stirtz down the stretch to prevent any late heroics. Even though Keaton Wagler was the star with 25 points, Stojakovic had 17 points and his plus/minus of +19 was the best on the team, proving how vital he was to his team’s success.
The Elite Eight isn’t the only time Stojakovic has come up big in the tournament, but Illinois may have been cooked if he wasn’t the sparkplug he was against the Hawkeyes. His presence keeps his team’s title hopes alive and well.
Losers
Duke chokes
It’s another stunning March loss for Duke. The top overall seed looked destined for the Final Four after jumping to a 19-point lead against UConn in the first half.
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Then came the second half.
The Blue Devils couldn’t stop UConn from rallying at the end, and had the game in its hands in the final seconds, but a shocking turnover turned into a game-winning 3-pointer by the Huskies. UConn outscored Duke 15-5 in the final five minutes. Duke now is the first No. 1 seed in NCAA Tournament history to lose after leading by at least 15 points at halftime, as they were 134-0 in such instances. The 19-point blown lead is tied for the sixth largest in the tournament.
The shocking loss keeps Duke away from winning its first national championship in the Jon Scheyer era, with the last title in 2015. Its the longest the Blue Devils have gone without a championship this century.
SEC
March doesn’t mean more in the SEC as the conference finishes with a dud to follow its historic past season.
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It was going to be hard to follow up two teams in the Final Four en route to a national champion, but the SEC didn’t get close to replicating some of that success. It only got one team in the Elite Eight in Tennessee, and it got blown out by Michigan. The SEC will not be represented in the semifinals for the first time since 2023.
To add insult to injury, the conference did not do well against its fellow Power league in the Big Ten. The SEC went 0-5 vs. Big Ten teams in the tournament, which ended up getting two teams to the Final Four. After an amazing showing in 2025, this one has been a forgettable month in the Southeast.
Lower seeds
Make way for the heavyweights. The 2026 Final Four will feature two No. 1 seeds, a No. 2 and a No. 3 seed, another season of no surprise runs to the semifinals.
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While it’s no surprise when the favorites at the start of the tournament ended up making it to the final weekend, it’s exactly what happened last season when we had an all-No. 1 group. This marks back-to-back years where the Final Four doesn’t feature a team seeded No. 4 or lower, which hasn’t happened since a three-year streak from 2007-09.
This year’s tournament had upsets and some magical runs, but none of them reached the final stage. Are even really solid teams going to have trouble winning a region, and are true Cinderellas dead?
Tennessee
Another Elite Eight, another exit for Rocky Top. The Volunteers are left searching again for their first Final Four after getting stopped at the doorstep.
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Tennessee’s optimism was quickly wiped out early against Michigan, leading to a 33-point rout in one of the largest blowouts in Elite Eight history. While the Vols have nothing to be ashamed about given it was a good run as a No. 6 seed, it’s the third straight season the Vols were eliminated in the regional final.
Rick Barnes has maintained winning in Knoxville, but after coming up short so often, will Tennessee ever get over the hump?
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Elite 8 winners, losers: UConn, Big 10, Duke headline March Madness ups, downs
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