March Madness is almost upon us and excitement is building as fans eagerly await the release of this year’s NCAA Tournament bracket projections. With so many talented teams poised to make a deep run in the tournament, it’s anyone’s guess as to which teams will come out on top. Below, we take a look at some of the top contenders and offer our predictions for who will make it to the Final Four:
Gonzaga Bulldogs
The Gonzaga Bulldogs have been one of the best teams in college basketball this season, with an impressive 24-0 record as of this writing. Led by star forward Corey Kispert, the Bulldogs boast a potent offense that averages over 92 points per game. Gonzaga has also been dominant defensively, holding opponents to just 69 points per game. With their combination of scoring prowess and lockdown defense, the Bulldogs are definitely a team to watch as the tournament approaches.
Baylor Bears
Another team that has been turning heads this season is the Baylor Bears. With a current record of 18-1, the Bears have shown that they have what it takes to compete with the best of the best. Led by standout guard Jared Butler, Baylor boasts a high-powered offense that has put up over 83 points per game this season. While their defense hasn’t been quite as dominant as Gonzaga’s, the Bears are still holding opponents to a respectable 64 points per game. If they can continue to click on offense, Baylor could very well find themselves in the Final Four.
Michigan Wolverines
The Michigan Wolverines have been one of the most consistent teams in the country this season, with a record of 17-1 as of this writing. Led by senior guard Isaiah Livers, the Wolverines have a balanced offense that averages just over 76 points per game. Michigan has also been stellar defensively, holding opponents to just 63 points per game. While they may not have the same offensive firepower as Gonzaga or Baylor, the Wolverines make up for it with their tenacious defense and efficient offense. If they stay hot, Michigan could very well make it to the Final Four.
Illinois Fighting Illini
A team that has been steadily climbing up the rankings this season is the Illinois Fighting Illini. With a record of 16-5, the Illini have shown that they can compete with anyone in the country. Led by do-everything guard Ayo Dosunmu, Illinois has an explosive offense that averages over 81 points per game. Defensively, the Illini have been solid if unspectacular, holding opponents to just over 70 points per game. If they can step up their defense in the tournament, Illinois could very well make a deep run and possibly even reach the Final Four.
Final Four Predictions
So, who do we think will make it to the Final Four? While there are plenty of worthy contenders, we believe that Gonzaga, Baylor, Michigan, and Illinois have the best chance to make it to the promised land. These teams boast a combination of scoring prowess, lockdown defense, and star power that could carry them all the way to the championship game.
Of course, predicting the NCAA Tournament is never an exact science, and there are always plenty of upsets and surprises along the way. No matter which teams end up making it to the Final Four, one thing is for sure: March Madness is sure to be as exciting and unpredictable as ever this year.
