Well we’ve finally reached the Final Four. If you’re bracket is still in good shape, God bless you. Mine has a lone survivor in Michigan. The tournament has been full of drama, close games, and upsets so far. #11 Loyola-Chicago has orchestrated the majority of those upsets and joins a few other #11 seeds as the highest seed to reach the Final Four in the history of the tournament (George Mason in 2006 most recently). They will face #3 Michigan on one side of the bracket at 6:09 tomorrow evening. On the other side, we have two #1 seeds in Villanova and Kansas facing off at 8:49. Both games are sure to be exciting as no one wants to go home at this point. They are so close they can taste it. Let’s breakdown both games.
In the early matchup Loyola-Chicago will have to play their best game yet to keep their dream alive against Michigan. Loyola-Chicago’s strength has to be their versatility. They can put five guys on the court at all times that can all pass, dribble, shoot and defend multiple positions. The problem is, so can Michigan. I think the difference maker here is Mo Wagner. The Ramblers are weakest in the paint and if Wagner can work down low and assert some physicality the Wolverines will be able to control the game. Look for Michigan’s permitter defense to continue to be great as well as Simpson, Matthews and Abdur-Rahkman can all cause problems for ball handlers. In the end, I think Michigan handles business and moves on to the Championship. It has been a magical run for Loyola-Chicago, but history shows that midnight usually strikes in the Final Four for our Cinderellas.
In the late game we’ve got a matchup of two powerhouse programs. The Wildcats are playing great ball once again on the backs of their superstar guard Jalen Brunson. Brunson has been historically efficient this season from the point guard position and always has Villanova playing well on the offensive end. Nova’s ability to switch all screens also makes them a defensive juggernaut. Their length and athleticism across the board makes life miserable on opposing offenses. Nova has plenty of shooters too and can chase a team right out of the gym from behind the arc if they get hot. Kansas can also shoot the lights out of the building. Devonte Graham and Malik Newman have this offense firing on all cylinders. With both teams shooting the ball so well, I think it will come down the play in the paint. Udoka Azubuike has been playing great as he is returning to full health and has the ability to dominate down low. If he can assert his will, the Jayhawks will be moving on. And I think he will. Expect a big night from Azubuike, who will be playing in front of his mother for the first time, and expect Kansas to move on.
So there you have it, I’ve got Michigan and Kansas moving on and battling for the Championship on Monday. Make sure to check back here Monday afternoon to see if I was right and I’ll get you all set for the Championship game no matter who is playing in it.