The 2018 NCAA Final Four men’s basketball games are today and has two exciting matchups to determine which teams will earn the right to play for the NCAA Championship on Monday.
NCAA March Madness Final Four Preview & Predictions
(11) Loyola Chicago Ramblers vs. (3) Michigan Wolverines
The early Final Four game of the 2018 NCAA Tournament feature two teams with the most exciting storylines. The Loyola Ramblers are only the fourth 11th seed to play in the Final Four. Notably, the previous three 11th seeded teams lost in their respective semifinal games (LSU in 1986, George Mason in 2006 and VCU in 2011). The Ramblers have a 14 game winning streak coming into the game against Michigan.
The Ramblers coached by Porter Moser will have their work cut out for them against the stellar defense of the Michigan Wolverines. Michigan has a 13 game winning streak going for them so one of those streaks ends tonight. Michigan coach John Beilein is coaching his second Final Four team, but he is still seeking his first title game.
Loyola will struggle to matchup with Michigan’s 6-foot-10 Moe Wagner. Wagner is an elite defensive rebounder and a solid offensive player who can shoot the three point shot as well as put the ball on the floor. Plus, if the Wolverines shoot lights out like they did two games ago, the Ramblers will be on life support.
Prediction:
The Wolverines end the Ramblers’ Cinderella story and Sister Jean’s hopes by 5 points. Michigan is just too good defensively.
Villanova Wildcats vs. (1) Kansas Jayhawks
The last two one seeds will match up in the other Final Four semifinal game. The Villanova Wildcats are in their second Final Four in three years. In 2016, the Wildcats went on to win the tournament and are the likely favorite to do so again in 2018. Villanova has the best offense in the country with six players averaging in double figures. The Wildcats are led by AP Player of the Year Jalen Brunson who averages 19.2 points and 4.6 assists per game.
The Kansas Jayhawks have not been in a Final Four semifinal game since 2012. The Jayhawks are led by senior guard Devonte’ Graham. Both teams have a lot of offensive firepower and it should make for an exciting, uptempo game.
Prediction:
Villanova has too much offense to be stopped and they defeat the Jayhawks in a tight game by three points.
