After five action-packed months, we have reached the final weekend of the college basketball season. The Final Four is upon us and we should have two great matchups. The first matchup on Saturday will be NC State vs Purdue and the second will be UConn vs Alabama. Phoenix is the place to be this weekend as we should see two great games!
Last Word On Sports’ Final Four Preview
NC State vs Purdue
The first game of the Final Four is a matchup between this year’s Cinderella, NC State, and this year’s redemption story, Purdue. Just a few weeks ago, NC State wasn’t even going to make the Tournament and was likely going to fire its coach, Kevin Keatts. But, the Wolfpack had a miracle run to win the ACC Tournament and has rode that momentum all the way to the Final Four. NC State has been led by the star of the Tournament; DJ Burns. The star big man has been on fire these past few weeks. He is averaging 18.3 points per game in March Madness and scored 30 against Duke to send NC State to the Final Four.
On the other side, you have Purdue. Last season, the Boilermakers were sent home early after a shocking upset to 16-seed Fairleigh Dickinson. This season, Purdue returned most of its starters, including National Player of The Year Zach Edey – who has been even more dominant. Purdue hopes to right its wrongs and make it all the way to the national championship this season.
All things considered, this should be a game that favors Purdue. Like all Cinderella stories, the clock will eventually hit midnight. Well, that is probably this weekend for NC State. Not only is Edey so difficult to guard, but Purdue also has elite shooters like Braden Smith, Mason Gillis, and Fletcher Loyer. The Boilermakers are no longer a one-dimensional team like they were last season.
UConn vs Alabama
The second Final Four game is between two offensive juggernauts. For years, Alabama has been a high-powered offense that likes to push the pace. They play an NBA-style game that relies on hitting three and getting to the rim. The Crimson Tide is led by point guard Mark Sears. The Ohio transfer is in his second year at Alabama and has hit his stride. He is shooting 43% from three and averaging 21 points per game this year. He has been the catalyst for the Tide. You should also look out for power forward Grant Nelson. The transfer from North Dakota State has been a vital piece for Alabama this season and has had a few good games in March.
UConn has been the best team in college basketball over the past two seasons. Last year, the Huskies won the national championship and this year they might be even better. They have been on a historically dominant run over the past few weeks. They have won every game in the NCAA tournament by at least 17 points, which includes a 30-point win against San Diego State. UConn is led by its star power. Tristen Newton made the Big East first team this year and has been great in the tournament. Rutgers transfer Cam Spencer has been an elite three-point shooter this year and has scored in double digits every game in March Madness. Finally, sophomore Donovan Clingan has turned it up in March with multiple great games including a 22-point performance against Illinois in the Elite Eight.
This will be a tough matchup for Alabama. They don’t have a big man who can match up against Clingan down low. But, if the Crimson Tide can control the tempo and hit threes, they may be able to stay with the Huskies.
