THE MATCHUPS

* The game: Illinois (36-1) vs. Louisville (33-4), 3:07 p.m. PST, on Channel 2

* How they got there: The last step was a dramatic one for both teams. Illinois made a comeback against Arizona to reach the Final Four that was so stunning some of the players said they now feel a sense of destiny. Trailing by 15 with four minutes left, Illinois stormed back to win in overtime, 90-89. Until the regional final, the Fighting Illini were untested, defeating Fairleigh Dickinson, 67-55; Nevada, 71-59; and Wisconsin Milwaukee, 77-63. Louisville made its own amazing comeback to reach the Final Four, rallying from 20 points behind against a West Virginia team that made 18 three-point baskets before the Cardinals won in overtime, 93-85. To reach the regional final, Louisville defeated Louisiana Lafayette, 68-62; Georgia Tech, 76-54; and top-seeded Washington, 93-79.

* Guards: The Illinois trio of Deron Williams, Dee Brown and Luther Head has carried the team to an almost-perfect season, marred only by a one-point loss to Ohio State. But Louisville is unusually well matched, with Francisco Garcia, Taquan Dean and Larry O’Bannon. Garcia, at 6 feet 7, might pose a matchup problem. But even though none of the Illini guards is taller than 6-3, they are too talented a tag team to pick against. Advantage, Illinois.

* Forwards: Louisville’s Ellis Myles, from Compton Centennial High, has been an underrated factor, leading the Cardinals over the last nine games not only with an average of 10 rebounds but also with a surprising five assists a game. At 6 feet 7 and 245 pounds, he and Juan Palacios (6-8, 245) each have a weight advantage over the Illini’s James Augustine (6-10, 230) and Roger Powell Jr. (6-6, 235). Advantage, Louisville.

* Center: Both teams play three guards and two forwards.

* Coaches: Louisville Coach Rick Pitino is in the Final Four for the fifth time with his third school after bringing Providence in 1987 and Kentucky in ‘93, ’96 and ‘97, winning the title in ’96. Illinois Coach Bruce Weber is in his first Final Four, though he has plenty of tournament experience, both as a head coach and longtime assistant to Gene Keady at Purdue. Advantage, Louisville.

* The pick: Illinois. Louisville seems to match up well, but there’s something about the three driven and talented Illinois guards that makes it difficult to imagine the Illini losing.

* For the winner: A berth in the championship game Monday at 6:18 p.m., on Channel 2.

-- Robyn Norwood