What to know: Arizona faces Michigan in Final Four
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Brayden Burries (left) and Motiejus Krivas celebrate after the Cats' Elite Eight win. Photo: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
The Final Four matchup between the Arizona Wildcats and the Michigan Wolverines may be the best game of March Madness.
- Whether you've followed the Wildcats all season or are just getting into the excitement of their first Final Four appearance in a quarter century, here's what you need to know.
Why it matters: The winner of Saturday's game will play either Illinois or UConn for the national championship Monday.
Zoom in: The Cats are big and physical, and they attack their opponents in the paint on both ends of the floor.
- That gets them to the foul line more than almost any other team in the country.
- In a basketball world dominated by the 3-point line, the Cats favor high-percentage shots and don't attempt many 3s, though they shoot a fairly high percentage when they do.
Names to know: Versatile freshman forward Koa Peat and 7-foot-2 center Motiejus Krivas dominate in the paint, as does Tobe Awaka, who averages nearly a double-double off the bench.
- Freshman guard Brayden Burries is UofA's leading scorer, and senior point guard Jaden Bradley has been known to steal the show with a heroic shot.
- If the Cats need a critical 3-pointer, watch sharpshooter Anthony Dell'Orso.
The other side: The Wolverines are well equipped to beat the Cats at their own game — they're one of the nation's best teams at defending 2-point shots and they're adept at keeping opponents off the foul line.
- Keep an eye on forwards Yaxel Lendeborg and Morez Johnson Jr.
Between the lines: The Wolverines are 1.5-point favorites.
The intrigue: UofA fans have their eyes on more than just the outcome of the game — head coach Tommy Lloyd is reportedly a candidate to take over the University of North Carolina, one of the bluest-blooded of college basketball programs.
Where to watch: The PhoenixCats alumni group is hosting a watch party at The Porch at 40th Street and Indian School Road. Wear red!
- The new Arcadia Tavern and Dirtbag's, a Tucson institution that's now in Phoenix, are likely to be filled with Wildcats fans too.
When to watch: The game tips off Saturday at 5:49pm.