Arizona should be licking its chops in national championship if it gets past Michigan

Arizona is a 1.5-point underdog versus Michigan on Saturday in the National Semifinal per FanDuel Sportsbook odds. If Arizona beats Michigan, the Wildcats would be a 4.5-point favorite over Illinois or favored by 5.5 over Connecticut in the National Championship Game.

Arizona won 71-67 at Connecticut in November. Connecticut played without starting center Tarris Reed Jr. and hero Braylen Mullins, who made the game-winning three-point shot against Duke with 0.4 seconds remaining in the NCAA Tournament East Regional Final on Saturday.

Illinois is favored by 2.5 points over Connecticut on Saturday. FanDuel Sportsbook favors Illinois at -130 on the money line with Connecticut at +108. Michigan is -122 and Arizona is +102 on the money line for their game in the second national semifinal on Saturday.

Connecticut would be +198 and Arizona -245 on the money line if they play in the National Championship Game. Arizona would be -196, Illinois +160 on the money line if they meet up in the National Championship Game.

Arizona and Michigan rank significantly higher than Connecticut and Illinois in the metrics. Michigan is first in KenPom overall and in adjusted defensive efficiency and fifth in offensive adjusted efficiency. Arizona is second in KenPom, fourth in adjusted offensive efficiency and second in adjusted defensive efficiency.

Connecticut and Illinois KenPom rankings

Illinois is fourth in KenPom overall, first in adjusted offensive efficiency and 20th in adjusted defensive efficiency. Connecticut is ninth in KenPom, 28th in adjusted offensive efficiency and ninth in adjusted defensive efficiency. Connecticut beat Illinois 74-61 on November 28.

Arizona has won three and lost five all-time versus Connecticut. The Huskies beat the Wildcats 65-63 in the 2011 West Regional Final, in the only time they have played in the NCAA Tournament. Arizona has won the last three games, but Connecticut has won all three times against the Wildcats on neutral courts.

Arizona has won 10 and lost six all-time against Illinois. The Wildcats and Fighting Illini split two NCAA Tournament games. Arizona beat Illinois in the 2001 Midwest Regional Final in San Antonio. Arizona has won four consecutive games against Illinois and six out of seven, with a 5-3 edge on neutral courts.

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