Story perspectives

Elite Eight: Michigan, Duke Battle for Final Four Spots

3/29/2026

Summary

Wolverines Aim for Final Four

The Elite Eight on March 29, 2026 concludes with two top-seeded matchups.
The University of Michigan Wolverines face the University of Tennessee Volunteers at 2:15 p.m. ET in Chicago, as Michigan pursues its first Final Four since 2018.
Duke University Blue Devils face the University of Connecticut Huskies at 5:05 p.m. ET in Washington, D.C.
All games air on CBS and stream via the March Madness Live app and Fubo.

Summary

Auriemma Critiques NCAA

Geno Auriemma, UConn coach, criticized the NCAA's two-regional format, saying it harms performance and attendance.
He cited poor shooting percentages in recent games due to new rims and basketballs.
Auriemma faulted early practice times and the lack of input from coaches on scheduling.
Duke coach Kara Lawson, along with others, echoed concerns about insufficient practice time.
The NCAA plans to maintain the two-regional format for at least five more years.

History

Historical Context

In 2011, the NCAA revamped its basketball tournament format, introducing a two-regional structure that affected team seeding and placements. This change sparked debate among coaches, including Geno Auriemma and Kara Lawson, who argue it undermines performance and attendance. The ongoing discussion reflects a broader tension between tradition and modernization in college sports, influencing future tournament structures and coach involvement.

1 of 3

Wolverines Aim for Final Four

The Elite Eight on March 29, 2026 concludes with two top-seeded matchups.
The University of Michigan Wolverines face the University of Tennessee Volunteers at 2:15 p.m. ET in Chicago, as Michigan pursues its first Final Four since 2018.
Duke University Blue Devils face the University of Connecticut Huskies at 5:05 p.m. ET in Washington, D.C.
All games air on CBS and stream via the March Madness Live app and Fubo.

1 / 3