Illinois' Cinderella Run, UConn's Clutch Play

0:00The final four hits Indianapolis this weekend, and Illinois stepping up as the surprise underdog story. Despite leading the Big Ten and wins over the last seven years, the Alini played the Cinderella role against heavy hitters like Yukon, Arizona, and Michigan. Is there first trip since 2005, with Coach Brad Underwood calling it destiny, not luck? First up, Illinois faces Yukon on Saturday, where the Illini are one and a half point favorites. The Huskies clawed back from 19 down for a buzzer-beater win to get here. The third final four in four years. Meanwhile, topseeds, Michigan, and Arizona clash in the other semi, even though Arizona opened his slight overall favorites at plus 165 odds. Coaches and players bring serious heat. Yukon's Dan Hurley preaches championship culture. Michigan's Destiny May, fresh from a final four run at Florida Atlantic, rebuilt the Wolverines with portal stars like Yaxxel-Indobord. Arizona's Tommy Lloyd kept four original starters, adding transfers for NBA level talent across both squads.

1:03These days, name, image, and likeness deals plus the transfer portal mean power programs dominate. Double Digest seeds barely won five games as tournament, down from 11 to years ago. No mid majors crashing the party like before, just big conference beasts stacking prospects. Illinois counters with their Balkan crew and guys like Keaton Wagler, a potential lottery pick. As Underwood says, he always believed they'd make it. Expect fireworks when these squads battle for the title. This has been Dallas News Today, powered by AI.