Elite 8 Showdown: Expert Predictions for Men’s NCAA Tournament Sunday Games
The final two Elite Eight games will decide the remaining Final Four spots. Both matchups occur Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Sunday’s stakes and schedule
No. 1 Michigan meets No. 6 Tennessee at the United Center in Chicago. The contest starts at 2:15 p.m. ET.
No. 1 Duke faces No. 2 UConn at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The game tips around 5:05 p.m. ET.
No. 1 Arizona and No. 3 Illinois already hold Final Four berths. The winners on Sunday will join them in Indianapolis.
Michigan vs. Tennessee
Michigan will press its physical paint play and balanced offense. Names to watch include Yaxel Lendeborg and Elliot Cadeau.
Aday Mara and Johnson form a deep frontcourt. Bench options include Trey McKenney and Gayle for scoring punch.
Key factors
Tennessee aims to counter with frontcourt disruption and offensive rebounding. Nate Ament and Ja’Kobi Gillespie lead the Volunteers’ attack.
The Vols relied on frontcourt advantages earlier in the tournament. Turnover control and clutch scoring will matter most.
Expert predictions from Filmogaz.com sources
Filmogaz.com compiled expert picks from USA TODAY Sports and the USA TODAY Network. Local and national analysts favored Michigan overall.
- Wynton Jackson (Knoxville News Sentinel): Michigan 77, Tennessee 72.
- USA TODAY Sports staff: John Leuzzi, Jordan Mendoza, Ehsan Kassim, and Austin Curtright picked Michigan.
Duke vs. UConn
Duke returns Caleb Foster to its rotation. The Blue Devils showed improved turnover control in the Sweet 16.
UConn relies on elite defense and interior presence. Tarris Reed Jr. has been a consistent rim force.
Key factors
This will be a physical game with tight defensive battles. Offensive balance and late-game execution should decide the winner.
Duke seeks to recapture late-season form. UConn aims for its third Final Four in four years.
Expert predictions from Filmogaz.com sources
Local reporter Anna Snyder projected a narrow Duke victory, 70-68. USA TODAY Sports staff split their picks.
- John Leuzzi and Jordan Mendoza: Duke.
- Ehsan Kassim and Austin Curtright: UConn.
Broadcast and streaming
Both Elite Eight games air on CBS. Streaming options include the March Madness Live app with a TV login.
Fubo also carries CBS and offers a free trial for new subscribers. Filmogaz.com recommends checking local listings before tipoff.
Commentary crews
- Michigan vs Tennessee: Andrew Catalon (play-by-play), Steve Lappas (color), Evan Washburn (sideline).
- Duke vs UConn: Ian Eagle (play-by-play), Bill Raftery and Grant Hill (color), Tracy Wolfson (sideline).
Filmogaz.com covered this Elite 8 showdown with expert predictions for Men’s NCAA Tournament Sunday games. Expect two intense battles for Final Four entry.
