The Final Four of the NCAA Tournament is here, and the matchups couldn’t be more intriguing.
Hawks’ Trae Young praises Caitlin Clark’s play
With a blend of perennial powerhouses and unexpected contenders, basketball fans are in for a thrilling Saturday night, but which teams are the favorites to make it to Monday’s final?
UConn & Purdue, favorites to reach the NCAA Tournament Final
In one corner, we have the UConn Huskies, a team familiar with the taste of victory.
Fresh off a championship win last year, the Huskies have been a dominant force throughout this tournament, winning their last 10 games by double digits.
Led by senior guard Tristen Newton and anchored by the imposing presence of Donovan Clingan, UConn enters the Final Four as the heavy favorite.
On the opposite side stands the Purdue Boilermakers, a team on a mission to redeem themselves after a disappointing early exit from last year’s tournament.
With center Zach Edey leading the charge, Purdue has bulldozed through opponents, with only one game ending within single digits.
Despite UConn’s dominance, Purdue remains a formidable contender, boasting talent and tenacity in equal measure.
While UConn and Purdue may be the frontrunners, the Final Four wouldn’t be complete without its share of underdog stories.
Alabama, making its first-ever appearance in the Final Four, has defied expectations with its high-octane offense and gritty defense.
Led by a cast of determined players, the Crimson Tide are poised to make history in their quest for a maiden championship.
And then there’s NC State, the ultimate Cinderella team.
Seeded 11th in the tournament, the Wolfpack have captured the hearts of fans with their magical run, stunning opponents and defying the odds at every turn.
Making their first Final Four appearance since the early 1980s, NC State is determined to continue its fairytale journey and etch its name in college basketball history.
Saturday promises epic Final Four battles
With the Final Four matchups just days away, all eyes are on UConn and Purdue.
With both teams ranked No. 1 at various points in the season, their showdown promises to be a clash of titans.
While UConn’s recent dominance may give them the edge, Purdue’s relentless pursuit of redemption makes them a formidable opponent.
Purdue vs NC State is set to kick off at 6:09 pm ET on Saturday night, followed by UConn vs Alabama, which will start at 8:49 pm ET.
Both games, as well as the tournament final, can be watched live on TBS.
The Final of the 2024 NCAA Tournament will be played on Monday, April 8th at 5pm ET.
