Game #1: 11 Loyola Chicago vs 3 Michigan (-5.5) tip 6:09 pm ET
You've read eight million stories about Sister Jean. Seven million about John Beilein, the Mr. Clean coach who's never been an assistant. 240,000 stories about the time in the 1960s that Loyola won it all. 58 stories about Michigan's 1989 title.
Loyola is the loveable underdog, the gritty team from the MVC that PLAYS BASKETBALL THE RIGHT WAY. Michigan is that team except from a power five conference. Should be a good game to watch.
Game #2: 1 Kansas vs 1 Villanova (-5) tip estimated at 8:49 pm ET
Villanova is terrifying. They're good at EVERYTHING. Great at just about everything. When they're not raining 3s they're backing you down for easy buckets. All time great on offense and really, really good on defense. Every player shoots. Every player makes shots.
This isn't a vintage Kansas roster but they're plenty talented. Not as deep as usual so staying out of foul trouble is key. KU will bomb you from long range and send Azubuike to dunk in your face.
Two heavyweights of college basketball going toe to toe. Good times.
last time KU was in SA for the F4, they rolled UNC in the F4 on the way to the title. Hoping Nova wins but wouldn't be shocked if KU runs GOOT.
i'm hoping UM wins it all but wouldn't be mad if anyone but KU wins it although Nova just won it so my preference is UM > Loyola >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Nova >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> KU.
Kansas's metrics haven't fully caught up with the fact that Malik Newman has been a Top 10 player in CBB for the past month. Dude is playing out of his mind and Kansas's starting 5 is better than any other starting 5.
Kansas's metrics haven't fully caught up with the fact that Malik Newman has been a Top 10 player in CBB for the past month. Dude is playing out of his mind and Kansas's starting 5 is better than any other starting 5.
Mississippi State has now ended Louisville's women's basketball season, men's basketball season, and football season all in the same year. Doubt that has ever happened before.
Villanova is really good but it is also harder to imagine a much easier path to the F4 than 16 seed/Bama/WV/TTech. They haven't played a top 15 team yet or had a close game. KU has a good chance but has to stay out of foul trouble. Michigan I think crushes Loyola as the 60% shooting finally doesn't happen and they face a non-mouthbreather coach.