2019 Men’s Basketball NCAA Tournament Final 4 Preview and Predictions
Andrew Tineo
Posted On April 5
347 Teams. There has been a grind from November, 6th all the way until Monday night. For these 4 teams, it has been all that they have been waiting for and are 4 of just 347 teams that are playing on Saturday Night.
All 4 of these teams have had different paths as Auburn has been riding a ridiculously hot win streak and really good guard play. UVA has stifling defense and a below average offense. UVA has been known for rarely giving up more than 60 and that should be the expectation for Cavs fans.
Texas Tech was picked #7 in their own conference. They were far and away the best team in that league this year and have surprised just about everyone with the upset of Gonzaga and their defense that is top notch.
Michigan State has been riddled with injuries down the stretch and even with that, Cassius Winston and Nick Ward has led the charge and pulled off the biggest upset in quite some time.
#5 Auburn vs. #1 Virginia 6:09 EST. CBS
After the blunder that was last year for the Cavaliers and the close first half with Gardner Webb, not a ton of people were putting a lot of stock into a deep run. But here they are and had to fight and claw to get past the 42 point effort from Carsen Edwards.
Virginia’s goal is to not let Harper or Brown get going from beyond the arc. Edwards was hot from outside and was also getting good looks. Winston doesn’t shoot the 3 quite as well as Edwards, but can get some good looks and may be able to hit quite a few if the duo of W’s get going with making shots.
For Auburn, It’s all about momentum. Chuma Okeke was a big loss obviously as that front court gets smaller and smaller. Which is why Jared Harper and Bryce Brown will be huge in this game. This Auburn team has turned a corner since their blow out loss to Kentucky back in late February.
Score Prediction:
This game will be a back and forth affair, but could be really big for the bench of UVA. Neither team have a shot blocking threat down low with a ton of experience, but Virginia has some guys with height coming off the bench like Jay Huff and Jack Salt.
It will be up to Bennett if he plays them. Due to better post play and a overwhelming defense, I think Virginia snaps Auburn’s great run and is heading to the National Championship Game. Virginia 68, Auburn 60.
Staff Predictions:
Will Cash:
I have Auburn winning this game. I think they just have the hot hand right now and will catch fire from three point range. Auburn has the ability to stretch out UVA’s vaunted defense and give the #1 team in protecting the rim some serious issues.
RedCup Mitch:
Virginia will have their hands full with the two headed dragon of Brown and Harper. But Virginia has limited opposing guards better than any other team in the country this season. Auburn doesn’t have any impact players in the front court without Okeke. That is where Virginia has the advantage and will think UVA will pull away with the win and advance to the National Title Game.
Evan Norris:
I have been tracking this Tiger team through the tournament and they’re just so physical. And if there is one thing that has posed to be a weakness for the Cavaliers, it is strong and physical defenses. I think this game will start off relatively close and remains that way until Auburn clutches late game, once again, to win.
Texas Tech vs. Michigan State 8:49 EST. CBS
Even through the struggles of injuries, Michigan State has clawed their way into the Final 4 and taking down the Goliath known as Duke in the process. This has been Cassius Winston’s team as he is the heart and soul.
One flaw that Michigan State has is their height is very limited. They held one of the top 5 scoring offenses in the country to just 67 Points and bounced Zion from the tournament. Can they also take out a Top 5 defense in the process?
Speaking of the Red Raiders, last year was looked upon by quite a few as a flash in the pan season. But what Chris Beard is doing is legitimate and has opened eyes to the rest of the country.
Their defensive absolutely crushed Michigan to the sound of 44 Points and 25% from the field. And held Gonzaga (who was averaging 86 PPG on the year) to just 69 Points in their game.
Score Prediction:
Michigan State’s lack of experience for the bench forwards could be a legit issue as they lack height just in general. Texas Tech’s defense has been the real deal and the offense has been clicking at the right time with guys like Davide Moretti and Jarrett Culver playing amazing ball.
In a rather interesting turn of events, Texas Tech pulls off the massive upset and faces Virginia in the National Title game with 2 of the best defenses in the nation. Texas Tech 65, Michigan State 59.
Staff Predictions:
Will Cash:
Even though I do think this game will be very close, I like Michigan State in this contest. Texas Tech’s defense is very similar to Virginia’s in alot of ways, but has struggled against really good guard play. Cassius Winston will eventually wear down that Tech defense and send Tom Izzo back to the National Championship.
RedCup Mitch:
Everyone has been sleeping on the banged up Spartans all season, but they just keep winning. Sparty is an astounding 27-11 ATS on the season. With that being said, Tech has been murdering teams this tourney and is as hot as anyone in the country at the moment. Red Raiders lock up defensively and get a tight win over Winston and Company.
Evan Norris:
After besting the Goliath of Duke, what else is there left to do except win a national title? I feel that Winston and Ward are too talented both ways for a Tech defensive squad to totally shut them down.
With them playing their best game and a struggling Tech from 3 Point Range, I like Michigan State and Tom Izzo within 8 to punch their ticket to the National Championship Game.
Image Credit: https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2016/nick-ward-named-big-ten-freshman-of-the-week/
