Offense had stood out all season for Illinois, only for the defense to step up in .
AP
Illinois' defense, net efficiency of top seeds Michigan and Arizona stand out entering Final Four
Michigan and Arizona boast elite efficiency metrics as the two No. 1 seeds to reach the Final Four
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Arizona forward Koa Peat, center, shoots past Purdue center Oscar Cluff, left, during the second half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Saturday, March 28, 2026, in San Jose, Calif.
Arizona guard Brayden Burries (5) grabs a rebound during the second half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament against Purdue, Saturday, March 28, 2026, in San Jose, Calif.
Michigan's Roddy Gayle Jr. (11), Yaxel Lendeborg (23) and Elliot Cadeau (3) celebrate during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament against Tennessee, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Chicago.
UConn guard Solo Ball scores over Duke guard Cayden Boozer, rear, during the second half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington.
Iowa's Tavion Banks, center, goes up for a shot as Illinois' David Mirkovic (0) and Zvonimir Ivisic defend during the first half of an Elite Eight game in the NCAA college basketball tournament Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Houston.
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