This year’s NCAA Tournament has been one for the record books. From Loyola-Chicago’s unlikely Final Four run to UMBC’s dominant upset of 1-seed Virginia, the tournament has earned its nickname of “March Madness.” After an upset-filled first round, the second round exhibited just what we imagined: that any team could fall. In fact, half of the bracket lost its top two seeds in the first weekend, which guaranteed that a No. 3 seed or higher would make the national championship. Teams such as Florida State and Kansas State were able to shock but not survive. For the Final Four, however, a national championship is very much in sight.
Loyola-Chicago Ramblers
This year’s Final Four consists of three blue-blood programs and a Cinderella story. The No. 11 seed Ramblers of Loyola-Chicago come into San Antonio on the heels of a dominant win against Kansas State. In the first three rounds, the Ramblers won their games by a combined four points. Now, they turn their focus to Michigan.
Even considering their 14-game win streak, the greatest story behind the Ramblers’ Cinderella run isn’t a player or their coach. Team Chaplain Sister Jean has captivated the world over the past few weeks as she has continued to be the Ramblers’ biggest fan through the tournament. With each game-winning shot, this team feels more and more like God’s team. With Sister Jean on The Ramblers’ side, Loyola-Chicago’s success thus far certainly appears to be divinely guided. However, God’s plan for the team will certainly be tested as they take the Wolverines.
Michigan Wolverines
After winning the Big Ten tournament as a No. 4 seed, the Wolverines won on a buzzer-beater in the Round of 32 against Houston and continued their success with dominant wins against Texas A&M and Kansas State. Other than Villanova, the Wolverines might be the hottest team left in the tournament. John Beilein and the Wolverines are in the midst of a 13-game win streak and are undoubtedly the favorite to win on Saturday. This Michigan team is as experienced as any headed to San Antonio and has the ability to win it all. After losing in the National Championship five years ago, Michigan is determined to finish the job this time.
Villanova Wildcats
On the other side of the bracket, two powerhouse programs will meet. The Villanova Wildcats proved themselves to be a worthy 1-seed as they ran through their region without trouble. After dominating Alabama in the Round of 32, Villanova controlled West Virginia and Texas Tech on its way to its second Final Four in three years. The Wildcats are the best team left in this tournament and have the most potent offense in the nation, averaging 87 points per game.
Led by national player of the year candidates Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges, this is a team that has an arsenal of offensive weapons and lives behind the 3-point line. When this team catches fire, it is unstoppable, making it the favorite to win its second National Championship in the past three years.
Kansas Jayhawks
The Midwest region is represented by Kansas, which beat Duke in overtime Sunday afternoon. Kansas has won each of its last three games (against Seton Hall, Clemson and Duke) by four points each, which bodes well for Villanova. However, the Jayhawks have two of the best players in the country, Devonte’ Graham and Malik Newman. Newman led the Jayhawks with 32 points in their overtime victory against Duke in the Elite Eight and comes into this weekend riding a hot streak.
Kansas has been one of the most consistent teams in recent memory, and it is certainly no stranger to the Final Four. However, this season has tested Kansas fans, for the team barely escaped this season with its 14th straight Big 12 regular-season title. Though the Jayhawks have played great at times, they have also struggled at times. However, if they continue to perform like they have for the last month, they could easily find themselves playing again Monday night.
The first Final Four bout between Michigan and Loyola Chicago is scheduled to tip at 5:09 p.m. CST and will be immediately followed by the Kansas versus Villanova matchup.
