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After what has been another classic NCAA Tournament, the four teams to reach the Final Four have officially been set. The reigning champion UConn Huskies are making an appearance, giving them a chance to become the first team to go back-to-back since the Florida Gators did it in 2006-2007. They have been the best team all season and have been dominant throughout this tournament run.
They will face off against the No. 4 seed Alabama Crimson Tide, who made their way through the West Region. Alabama took down the Clemson Tigers on Saturday by a score of 89-82 in the Elite Eight to reach the Final Four for the first time in their history. The Crimson Tide has typically been known as a football school, but the basketball team is giving second thoughts to that narrative.
On the other side of the bracket, the Purdue Boilermakers powered their way to their first Final Four since 1980, taking down the Tennessee Volunteers in the Elite Eight. Star big man Zach Edey wouldn’t be denied, scoring 40 points and grabbing 16 rebounds in the victory. Just a year after losing in the Round of 64 as a No. 1 seed, Purdue has redeemed themselves to reach the biggest stage.
Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images
They will take on the No. 11 seed NC State Wolfpack, who have shocked the world to make a run to the Final Four. It’s the first Final Four since 1983 for NC State, and they are making it as this year’s Cinderella Team. The Wolfpack overcame many obstacles to reach this point, including taking down No. 2 Marquette and No. 4 Duke on their way to being among the final teams. It’s their fourth Final Four in school history.
Both games have much intrigue and star power, as two No. 1 seeds have made the Final Four on opposite sides of the bracket. A potential repeat champion, a first-time Final Four appearance, a redemption story, and a Cinderella team all make for incredible storylines over the next week. College basketball fans love upsets, but it’s also nice when the best teams in the country can reach the final stage for an ultimate showdown.
A fun college basketball season is coming to a close soon, but we should be in for some fun basketball at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The two winners will take their place in the title game for the chance to call themselves champions of the college basketball world.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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