For having two regions cause so much chaos, three out of the four regions look fairly representative of what many perceived the Final Four to be before the tournament began.
Villanova was the favorite heading into the tournament, while Kansas was a top-five option. And while some believe Michigan is a surprise, that shouldn’t be the case.
The Wolverines are on fire and have enough talent to compete on a regular basis with the top teams in the country.
Other than the ridiculous East region, the other regions, despite this year being legendary for the madness, played pretty true to form.
Final Four odds
Loyola-Chicago vs. Michigan (-5.5)
My heart says Loyola. My brain says Michigan.
For how great the run of Loyola-Chicago is, it’s not that much of a surprise. The NCAA tournament is all about matchups, and the Ramblers have had a legendary run of great matchups.
The first round featured a matchup against a Miami team without its best player. The second round was against a Tennessee team that was more than beatable. And the last two games have been against the seventh and ninth-seeded teams in the region.
That’s not necessarily murderer’s row.
The Wolverines present by far the biggest challenge for Loyola. Michigan’s defense is better than Kansas State’s, and the Wolverines are a more efficient team on offense than Loyola.
I want to see the ultimate underdog in the finals against a Blue Blood, but I just don’t see it happening. The run ends in the Final Four. — Go Chalk with Michigan
Kansas (+5) vs. Villanova
I’ve been pretty hot on Villanova, and while I still believe the Wildcats will win, this will be a one possession game.
The Jayhawks are elite on offense, something the Wildcats haven’t seen yet in this tournament.
This should be a high-tempo game, which is in both teams’ wheelhouses. Villanova has the experience edge, but Kansas has just as much talent on the offensive end as Villanova.
This has the makings of a classic Final Four game, so sit back and enjoy this one-possession affair. — Go Against The Chalk with Kansas
National Champion?
Villanova
That Final Four tilt is going to be a classic. In the end, though, I’ll favor the Wildcats to sneak past the Jayhawks and then overwhelm Michigan.
The Wolverines and Ramblers are both really good on the defensive end, but aren’t anywhere near Villanova on the offensive end.
The championship game will be close for a half, but Villanova’s relentless offensive attack will wear down their championship game foe, giving the Wildcats another banner.
