The past two weekends of the March Madness tournament have been electrifying to say the least. With major upsets and closely contested games it seems like we have seen it all. However, four more teams will still be battling for a chance at a national championship. Two one seeds remain, UConn and Purdue, along with 4 seed Alabama and a shocking 11 seeded NC state. Will we finally get to see the long-awaited matchup between the Huskies and the Boilermakers or could either of the underdogs make it all the way.
UConn vs Alabama
UConn has been determined to be the first repeat national champion since 2007. So far, they have absolutely rolled past their competition, most recently beating a strong Illinois by 25 points. Star point guard Tristen Newton has proven to be a reliable scoring option for UConn. Also, potential lottery pick, Donovan Clingan, has been consistent on both sides of the court throughout the tournament.
Nobody seemed to expect a 4 seeded, Alabama to make a final four run; however, they showed up in big games over the past two weekends. Notably, they took down UNC in the sweet sixteen. In the hard-fought matchup, Grant Nelson had a breakout performance with 24 points and 4 blocks.
Despite UConn’s ease so far in the tournament, they will certainly have to come to play against the crimson tide. Alabama has momentum and knows how to play against good teams in big moments. Overall, I see the Huskies coming out on top. Dan Hurleys coaching experience along with their unmatched ability to find success will make it very challenging for the Crimson Tide to advance to the Final Four.
Purdue vs NC State
Many people expected to see Purdue to make yet another early exit. However, they have finally made it to the Final Four and can certainly go all the way. The Purdue Boilermakers are the first team with the nation's leading scorer to make it to the final four since 1960. Their unstoppable size in Zach Edey, matched with their elite guard play has proven to be difficult to beat. Zach Edey scored 40 against Tennessee ultimately leading them to victory over the Volunteers.
Heading into the Acc tournament all hope seemed to be lost for NC State. The Wolfpack then shocked the world as they won the ACC tournament, securing them their opportunity in March Madness. Lead by big man, DJ Burns, NC State has continued their shocking run as they knocked off Duke in the Elite Eight. Burns scored 29 in this game and has looked like one of the nation's most electrifying players. With a talented guard in DJ Horne, this team certainly has momentum.
It will be an entertaining matchup between stars, Dj Burns and Zach Edey. However, I believe Edey's overwhelming size will simply be too much. In addition, Purdue is one of the better 3-point shooting teams in the nation, which will make it very challenging for NC State. Overall, I see the Boilermakers silencing their critics and finally making it to the national championship.
Brendan Gray
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