By Aidan Wilkins | @AidanJWilkins
Michigan vs. Loyola Chicago
While the Ramblers have had an amazing run, the Wolverines will make sure it ends at the Final Four. The potent scoring trio of Moritz Wagner (14.3), Charles Matthews (13.0), and Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman (12.8) will prove too potent for the Loyola defense, as the three Wolverines can provide a bucket in almost any situation. Coach John Beilein has been to this stage before, having reached the national championship game in 2013, which is an experience that should aid his team in this Final Four matchup. This will be a low scoring affair, with the Wolverines holding a lead for the duration of the contest.
Michigan 67, Loyola-Chicago 59
Villanova vs. Kansas
Villanova has been the best team in the country for the entire season. Led by AP and USBWA Player of the Year Jalen Brunson, the Wildcats have one of the most lethal offensive lineups in college basketball. The guards Brunson (19.2), Phil Booth (10.3), and Donte DiVincenzo (12.9) all score in double figures for the Wildcats. Their frontcourt is no less intimidating, with Mikal Bridges (17.8) and Omari Spellman (10.8) both provide an efficient scoring punch with shooting upwards of 43% from three. Eric Paschall (10.3) also provides a punishing presence around the rim. The offensive assault of the Wildcats will provide them with a close victory over the Jayhawks.
Villanova 78, Kansas 73
By Mike Williams | @MikeWritesSport
Michigan vs. Loyola Chicago
Loyola Chicago and Michigan square off in a meeting between the two hottest teams in the NCAA. Loyola’s steak of 14 consecutive wins is the nation’s longest. Michigan’s 13-game streak ranks second. Both teams space the floor and move the ball extremely well. Loyola is a wild card because of its unselfish play. Marques Townes, Clayton Custer and Donte Ingram have hit game-winning shots in this tournament. Longtime teammates Ben Richardson and Clayton Custer will play one more game together. Loyola will be the first 11 seed to win in the Final Four.
Loyola Chicago 63, Michigan 59
Villanova vs. Kansas
Villanova and Kansas are the two best teams left in the tournament. The Wildcats are shooting 40.0 percent from deep, and the Jayhawks are shooting 40.3 percent. Center Udoka Azubuike of Kansas and forward Omari Spellman of Villanova will be fun to watch. Azubuike is good at the rim. He averages 1.7 blocks and 7.1 rebounds a game. Spellman shoots above 40 percent from 3-point range and can force Azubuike out of the paint.
Kansas 70, Villanova 68
