The NCAA got what it wanted. The Elite Eight was boring with no exciting endings. However, that’s expected to change during the Final Four. The four teams in the Final Four are all bluebloods who are major household names and brands that you expect to be in this position.
The Duke Blue Devils will take on the North Carolina Tar Heels for the first time ever in the NCAA Tournament. The two biggest rivals are going to take center stage and after North Carolina dominated Duke, on the road, during Coach K’s final home game, there’s a lot to think about.
On the other hand, the Villanova Wildcats and Kansas Jayhawks will also get the opportunity to play for a National Championship in the Final Four. Both teams have had terrific seasons. So ratings should be a bit higher this weekend.
Villanova Wildcats vs. Kansas Jayhawks
Saturday, April 02, 2022 – 06:09 PM EDT at Caesars Superdome
Struggle to Score
Villanova is currently shooting 83% from the foul line this season, which is the best rate you’ll ever see in college basketball. However, the offense might struggle to score and Kansas won’t foul at a high rate. Kansas is holding teams to 29.6% from deep and 47% from inside the arc.
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On the glass, the Jayhawks allow just 27.7% offensive rebounds, so, therefore, Villanova won’t dominate the offensive glass as they average 31.1% offensive rebounds per game.
On the other hand, Kansas is the much better and more efficient offense, hitting 35.6% from deep and 53.8% from inside the arc. Kansas will likely have more opportunities on the offensive glass and usually get fouled at a higher rate. Villanova, like Kansas, won’t foul at a high rate but overall, Kansas finds a way to get to the foul line more frequently.
Rebounding Battle
Villanova is holding teams to a 46.8% effective field goal percentage and also holding teams to 30.1% from three along with 48% from inside the arc. But again, Kansas will win the rebounding battle and is still overall, the better offense. I like Kansas to move on.
North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Duke Blue Devils
Saturday, April 02, 2022 - 08:49 PM EDT at Caesars Superdome
Absolute Showdown
In the other game, Duke and North Carolina should be an absolute showdown. North Carolina scored over 90 points in its last game against Duke, on the road, on Senior Night, in Coach K’s final home game as a head coach.
There’s no reason why that can’t happen again. North Carolina is playing terrific basketball right now and looks as connected as ever. Neither Duke nor North Carolina will foul at a high rate but overall, it’s North Carolina that is winning more opportunities on the glass.
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Neither team is going to force turnovers in this game, but ultimately, Duke should have some wide-open threes to capitalize on. But it comes down to execution and if Duke is missing shots early, second chances won’t be there and therefore, North Carolina could pull away.
Tar Heels Momentum
This game is as hard as it gets when it comes to capping. But I would think that North Carolina has more momentum coming into this game. The Tar Heels look more complete, and therefore, I like the Tar Heels to end Duke’s season.
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