Going into Saturday, we were down to just 4 teams left in March Madness. #1 UConn took on #4 Alabama and #1 Purdue played #11 NC State. These 4 teams faced off in Phoenix on Saturday, but let’s take a moment to recap Saturday’s games and give insight to UConn and Purdue, who will play in the national championship.
#1 UConn vs #4 Alabama
The Huskies have been unstoppable. The Crimson Tide were able to keep it close for about 30 minutes, but the Huskies pulled away late. The Tide were led by star point guard Mark Sears who has been came into the game hot, averaging 21.5 PPG. Alabama wanted to rely on their high scoring (90+ per game). However, their lackluster defense proved to be their downfall. UConn had 5 players who average 11+ PPG and all played a big role in the UConn win. This hurt Alabama because even though they could score and keep up with the Huskies they were not able to hold their own on the defensive end.
#1 Purdue vs #11 NC State
This is the matchup that everyone was talking about all week. Zach Edey vs DJ Burns. Edey has been lethal as of late scoring 40 points against Tennesee and Dalton Knecht to advance to the Final Four. The Boilers have dominated their competition so far but face a tall task against UConn. DJ Burns and NC State have made an incredible run. The Wolfpack were a 10 seed in the ACC Tourney with at the time having no chance of even making it to March Madness. They then proceeded to win 5 games in the ACC Tourney and clinch a bid to March Madness. They then shocked everybody winning 4 straight games in the Tournament over #6 Texas Tech, #14 Oakland, #2 Marqutte, and #4 Duke. An improbable run led by 6’9 275 big man DJ Burns. NC State unfortunately did not play well against Purdue. Their cinderella run will always be remembered and the legacy of DJ burns will live on.
The Natty:
UConn vs. Purdue. The two best teams all year long, by far. Zach Edey vs. Donovan Clingan. These two teams have been on a collision course all year long. It is the most anticipated National Championship game in recent memory. UConn will be a heavy favorite, but I would not count out Purdue. The Huskies have been proven to be vulnerable when their big-man, Zach Edey has gotten into foul trouble. If Purdue can take advantage of UConn when they are sitting their star big man, I like their chances. Either way, it will be an all time game. UConn is looking to repeat for the first time in 15 years, while Purdue is looking to complete the all time revenge story.
