It’s Madness: Final Four Set to Begin
Well folks, we’re here. It’s Final Four week in the NCAA Men’s Tournament. Sixty teams have fallen. Four remain. And if you didn’t already know, this is one of the most historic Final Fours in the history of the NCAA. Why? Because it includes two teams who’ve never made appearances in the Final Four, one who hasn’t been since 1939, and then, of course, North Carolina. It’s easy to think UNC will be the ones cutting down the net come tournament’s end. But there’s really no telling. South Carolina is blazing hot right now. Oregon is fresh off a dominant performance against the Jayhawks, as well as Gonzaga who beat no. 11 seeded Xavier by 24 in the Elite Eight. This has been the kind of tournament where anything could happen. Just ask Villanova and Duke. So what’s it going to take for each team to win it? Let’s have a look, shall we?
Here’s why Oregon is going to win the tournament: The Ducks have the strength to beat anyone in this group. They showed just how powerful they could be against KU last week. Oregon’s defense disrupted the Jayhawks early, due in large part to Jordan Bell. Bell set a Pac-12 record with 8 blocks, and protected the rim like his life depended on it. Because of his presence, KU was unable to get into a rhythm down low. They shot 5 for 19 on contested shots in the paint. While the Ducks shot consistently all game long (50.9% to be exact). With Tyler Dorsey leading Oregon offensively, it’s hard to imagine a UNC-Oregon game where the Ducks don’t give Roy Williams the sweats.
Here’s why UNC is going to win the tournament: They are by far the best team in the Final Four. Their Elite Eight showing against Kentucky proved this. They can hang with the most competitive teams in the league and win. For one, every player on the Tar Heels roster can score the ball. Justin Jackson can be counted on game in and game out. Luke Maye has shown he can contribute efficient numbers off the bench. Plus, UNC ranks first in offensive rebounds. Against Kentucky, they posted 34 points in the paint. Inside the arc, they shot 56%. Not bad for a team that went 3 of 15 from three point range. But again, that rebounding and mid-range shooting can keep them in any game. The big question is, will Luke Maye show up? And for that matter, will John Berry II be able to overcome apparent ankle injuries in what constitutes the biggest game of his life?
Honestly I wouldn’t be at all surprised if the Ducks won this game, and for that matter won the whole thing. Even without Chris Boucher, they’re an intense team with a daunting defensive presence and a slew of mid-sized players who can play multiple positions and multiple tempos. My prediction: Ducks beat the Tar Heels, 72-68. (But don’t quote me on that.)
Here’s why South Carolina is going to win the tourney: His name is Sindarius Thornwell. Without him there’s no telling where the Gamecocks would have landed in this tournament. In the past four games, he’s scored 29, 24, 24, and 26 points respectively, beginning with his dominant performance against Marquette in the first round. Against Florida he shot 61.4% from the field and grabbed 7 rebounds. He’s been the star of the tournament so far, and there’s no sign of that stopping.
And now Gonzaga: This team has been thrown shade all season long. They say the Bulldogs aren’t ready for prime time. They say they’re in a mediocre conference. They say a lot of things. But the fact is they’ve made it this far for a reason. The Bulldogs are ranked first in adjusted defensive efficiency. Nigel Williams-Goss and Johnathan Williams have been consistent forces on offense. They scored a combined 42 points last game against Xavier. Zach Collins and Silas Melson have been solid off the bench. And don’t forget, this team can hit threes like it’s nobody’s business. Last game they shot 50% from beyond the arc while holding the Musketeers to a lousy 2 of 16 from three. If they can maintain their solid defensive efficiency, they’ve got a great shot at moving to the Finals, especially if they can apply that pressure to Mr. Thornwell.
My prediction? Gonzaga wins 77-70.
But again, don’t quote me on that. These games could go either way, in any direction. The best thing we can do is crack a cold beer and let the festivities unfold as they will.
Both games kick off April 1 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, beginning with the Zags and South Carolina at 5:09 PM Central Time.
