The roar from UConn's stunning upset of No. 1 overall seed Duke is still echoing, and now the Final Four is set. That last-second three-pointer by Braylon Mullins wasn't just iconic; it sent shockwaves through the sportsbooks, cashing a single $300,000 ticket for a massive $615,000 payout. Now, the Huskies ride that momentum as short underdogs against No. 3 Illinois in Saturday's first national semifinal.

The nightcap features a heavyweight clash that many are calling the de facto national championship game, with No. 1 Michigan a narrow favorite over No. 1 Arizona. With the lines so tight, where is the smart money going? We checked in with oddsmakers to see how the public is betting these epic matchups.

For UConn-Illinois, the action has been fascinating. "We opened Illinois as 2-point favorites and soon moved to -1.5," said Thomas Gable, sportsbook director at Borgata. He notes early money came in on UConn to cover the spread, creating a relatively split ledger. "This could get back to 2, maybe even -2.5... I do expect this to be a decision for us, and we’ll probably need UConn," Gable admitted, indicating the Huskies are drawing significant public support that could put the book at risk if they win.

The Michigan-Arizona game is drawing a different kind of attention. "A lot of people are looking at this as the national championship game," Gable observed. His book opened Michigan at -1.5, where it has held steady. While the Wolverines' moneyline has been a popular public wager, the total has seen more movement, bet up from 156.5 to 157.5, suggesting bettors are anticipating a high-scoring affair between two of the nation's most potent offenses.

As the teams prepare to battle under the brightest lights, the betting markets reflect the razor-thin margins that define March Madness. Whether you're backing the underdog Huskies or the titans in the late game, one thing is certain: the drama on the court will be matched only by the excitement in the sportsbooks.