Michigan Cruises Past Arizona, Faces UConn in Title Game

Public betting heavily on Michigan after dominant Final Four win

Apr. 5, 2026 at 11:24pm

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Michigan dominated Arizona in the Final Four, winning by 18 points and advancing to the NCAA Championship game against UConn. Oddsmakers say the public is heavily backing Michigan, with the Wolverines opening as 7-point favorites over the Huskies. However, UConn has been a profitable team for bettors in the tournament, going 11-0 against the spread in the Sweet 16 or later.

Why it matters

This matchup pits two No. 1 seeds against each other, with Michigan looking to cap off an impressive tournament run and UConn seeking its third national title in the last four years. The public betting action reflects Michigan's dominance in the Final Four, but UConn has proven to be a tough out for bettors throughout the tournament.

The details

Michigan led Arizona by 30 points in the second half before coasting to a 91-73 victory in the Final Four. The Wolverines improved to 36-3 straight up and 19-20 against the spread this season. UConn, the No. 2 seed, defeated No. 3 seed Illinois 71-62 in the other semifinal. Caesars Sports opened Michigan as a 7-point favorite for the championship game, and the public betting has heavily favored the Wolverines so far.

  • Michigan dominated Arizona on Saturday in the Final Four.
  • The NCAA Championship game between Michigan and UConn will tipoff on Monday at 8:50 p.m. ET.

The players

Michigan

The No. 1 seed that dominated Arizona in the Final Four and is now a 7-point favorite in the championship game.

UConn

The No. 2 seed that defeated Illinois in the Final Four and is looking to win its third national title in the last four years.

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What they’re saying

“We've taken quite a lot of Michigan money early, and rightfully so.”

— Rich Zanco, Caesars Sports head of college basketball trading

“I think the public is gonna continue to ride this Michigan team.”

— Rich Zanco, Caesars Sports head of college basketball trading

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This matchup between the dominant Michigan Wolverines and the tournament-tested UConn Huskies promises an exciting championship game, with the public heavily backing Michigan but oddsmakers believing UConn could pull off the upset.