BY TRISTAN SASSE
From perennial powerhouses to a Cinderella story, the Final Four features it all. Some remaining teams have made national headlines for many years while another has been under the radar for decades. Even though the final teams have different stories on how they reached this point, all teams still focus on the same goal. Do whatever it takes to bring home a national championship.
The Matchups
No. 11 seed Loyola-Chicago Ramblers vs. No. 3 seed Michigan Wolverines
Saturday, March 31 at 5:09 PM on TBS
Loyola-Chicago Ramblers (32-5) – South Region Champion
The greatest surprise of the Final Four comes out of the South Region. After countless upsets, the No. 11 seeded Loyola-Chicago Ramblers survived multiple single-possession games to make it to the Final Four for the first time since 1963. An 11-seed has never won the NCAA Tournament, and only 3 others have advanced to the Final Four in history, but this tournament has clearly proved there is a first for everything. Loyola has reeled off 14-straight victories and hasn’t lost in nearly two months. Although winning the title for an 11-seed seems improbable, it is impossible to count the Ramblers out.
Michigan Wolverines (32-7) – West Region Champion
Appearing in its first Final Four since the Wolverines went to the title game in ‘13, Michigan enters San Antonio with the nation’s second-longest win streak. After beginning the season 19-7, the Wolverines have been dominant during its 13-game win streak and have only had five games decided by single-digits. Additionally, with the Elite Eight victory over Florida State, Michigan set a new school record for wins in a season. For the Wolverines to advance to the championship, they will need to rely heavily on one of the nation’s best defenses.
Prediction
Both of these teams defenses rank in the top 10 nationally and have extreme depth, but the Wolverines faced tougher competition all season long. In a close game, experience will make the difference.
Michigan 65 Loyola-Chicago 59
No. 1 seed Kansas Jayhawks vs. No. 1 seed Villanova Wildcats
Saturday, March 31 at 7:49 PM on TBS
Kansas Jayhawks (31-7) – Midwest Region Champion
According to many, this was going to be a below average season for the Kansas Jayhawks. With that being said, Kansas not only went on to win the regular season and postseason conference championships but won an NCAA record 14th straight conference title and extended an NCAA record with a 29th straight NCAA tournament appearance. The second-winningest program in Division I college basketball history also advanced to its fifth Final Four since 2002. Additionally, the last time San Antonio was the site of the Final Four, Kansas was the last team standing.
Villanova Wildcats (34-4) – East Region Champion
Full of talent, the top seed in the East Region will look to cut down the nets for the second time in three seasons. Led by future NBA lottery pick Mikal Bridges and Wooden Award finalist Jalen Brunson, the Wildcats are the highest-scoring team in the nation, averaging nearly 87 points per contest. Villanova has appeared to be one of the most consistent teams in the country this season, starting 13-0 and winning 22 of its first 23 games overall. To end the season on top, the Wildcats will continue to rely on a veteran-led squad and a fast-paced offense.
Prediction
In a matchup between two high-scoring offenses, the winner may be decided on the defensive side of the ball. Villanova has the edge.
Villanova 83 Kansas 79
Tournament Schedule
Final Four – Saturday, March 31
Championship – Monday, April 2