JetsJetsJets' Crystal Ball -- Final Four Predictions
The Crystal Ball has a 9-3 record in picking NCAA games so far. We went 6-2 in the Sweet 16, and a respectable 3-1 in the Elite 8. We hope to improve on that record by correctly predicting two exciting Final Four games on Saturday. All four of these teams have a legitimate chance to cut down the nets on Monday evening at Ford Field. Here are our selections:
Game 1 -- UConn 69 Mich State 63 -- Mich State proved the Crystal Ball wrong last Sunday by upsetting the Louisville Cardinals in an impressive performance. The Cardinals were the Top Seed in the entire tournament, but the Spartans frustrated them with their toughness & defensive prowess. They also have a homecourt advantage in this game playing only 90 miles away from their campus in East Lansing. However, we believe UConn just has too much talent for the guys in green. They have a great 1-2 guard punch in Price & Walker that will prove too much for the Big Ten champs. We like the Huskies to advance to Monday's final with this hard-fought victory.
Game 2-- UNC 82 Villanova 75 -- The Crystal Ball & I are proud alumni of North Carolina, but we can separate our school ties when making predictions. UNC has been the hottest team in the tournament -- winning every round by double-digits. They have the ACC Player of the Year in Ty Lawson who finally looks 100% healthy after struggling for weeks with a toe injury. The Heels also have scoring balance in many positions. They can beat you inside & outside. The Wildcats have been a great story in this tournament. The boys from Philly manhandled Duke in the Sweet 16 while beating their Big East Rival Pitt Panthers in a classic Elite 8 clash. Villanova is impressive on the perimeter and are an outstanding defensive team. However, the Tar Heels have a lot of inside firepower. Look for 4-time All-American Tyler Hansbrough to rebound from a disappointing performance vs. Oklahoma. Hansbrough & Co. will survive & advance to the Finals against the Huskies.
These games should be great on Saturday. I hope everyone enjoys the action!
Comments
With the exception of Villanova, the rest of my bracket lay in tatters. I'm hoping your Crystal Ball is wrong but UNC is probably the most talented group in this final four. Still, much like in '85 i'm hoping that the fairy tale continues on for the Wildcats.
As you mentioned, Michigan State is basically playing a home game. They'll also receive some inspiration from famous alumnus, Magic Johnson. They can use every advantage possible as UConn will indeed be tough to beat.
Michigan State-Villanova final??? It's a long shot but anything is possible.
With the exception of having UNC & UConn in the Final Four, my bracket is also in tatters as I picked Pitt to win it all to start the tourney. Oh well.
At this point, any of these 4 teams can go all the way. If Villanova can make their fair share of 3's & be tough on the boards, they could certainly pull off the upset. Mich State could also take advantage of the home crowd to upset UConn. Nothing would really surprise me at this point.