Unfortunately we are nearing the end of another March, which to me is the best time of the year. Especially if you are a college sports nut like I am. We saw our fair share of upsets, the most upsetting was #1UMBC over #1Virginia and after that we saw many of our brackets go into the trash can.
We are all set for the for the surviving four to determine the national champions of the 17-18 college basketball world in San Antonio this weekend. There are three schools that most people are not so surprised that made it. We have two #1 seeds in Villanova and Kansas. There is the #3 seed in Michigan. And finally the Cinderella of the tournament in #11 Loyola-Chicago.
Let us look at the four that will be playing to call themselves champions this week in San Antonio.
WHO IS LEFT STANDING..
#11 Loyola-Chicago Ramblers.
This is the Ramblers second appearance in the Four, their first appearance was way back in 1963, in which they would go on to win the national championship, and so they are looking to win their second championship in school history. The Ramblers have had a pretty solid defense holding their opponents to 63.5 points a game. If they are looking to win this weekend, they are going to have to do much better than that. However that would be asking a lot because they will be facing a Wolverine squad that uses the same defensive style. The Ramblers have had 6 different players that have scored in the double digits. All five of their starters average between 8.2 and 11.3 points this tournament.
#3 Michigan Wolverines
The Wolverines will be making their eighth appearance in the Four, their last was just back in 2013. Their only championship goes back to 1989, pre Fab Five era. Michigan’s halfcourt defense has only allowed just 59 points this tournament. That statistic alone should win you a championship right? Well, their 3 ball is not all that great having a percentage of 25% But they balance that out holding their opponent to 20% from the 3 line.
#1 Villanova Wildcats
Nova is making their sixth appearance his year having won two championships, last one being on a buzzer beater to knock off UNC back in 2016. Despite their 4 losses during the regular season, they have remained the only consistent team during the regular season and throughout this tournament. The Wildcats have beaten their opponents by an average 18.3 points. And Nova has also hit 41.4% from the 3 line. However the Wildcats had an off night against the Red Raiders of Texas Tech, which could be a bit worrisome going into the Four especially against the competition that lies ahead of them. Any off night for them could very well result in elimination.
#1 Kansas Jayhawks
The Jayhawks are certainly no stranger to making this far in the tournament, this is their fifteenth time in the Four. Winning three championships, their last was back in 2008. Kansas is playing their best ball as of late, and they are going to have to if they want to win the championship. They have three other teams that can very well defeat them in their own ways.