The final furlong
After winning what was coined the Kentucky Derby over the weekend — with favored UK pulling up lame — Loyola moves up in class but remains in a comfortable position — the biggest long shot on the board
11 Spirit of ’63 PREP RACE Won by 16 over Kansas State ODDS TO WIN IT ALL 9-1 JOCKEY
Senior point guard Clayton Custer makes everything run smoothly on Loyola’s remarkably efficient offense.
TRAINER
In his seventh season at Loyola, Porter Moser has built the program with locals and transfers who have invested in his idea of Loyola “culture.”
KEY STAT
When the Ramblers tip off Saturday, it will be 59 days since their last loss. They have won 14 in a row.
WHY THEY CAN WIN IT
They have the best shooting percentage of any Final Four team at 50.9 percent.
3 Maize and True PREP RACE Won by 4 over Florida State ODDS TO WIN IT ALL 5-2 JOCKEY
Moritz Wagner, at 6-foot-11, has grown into the leader of Michigan’s offense — a skilled big who can pass and shoot.
TRAINER
John Beilein, in his 11th season at Michigan, has the Wolverines in the Final Four for the first time since 2013, when they lost to Louisville in the final.
KEY STAT
When the Wolverines tip off Saturday, it will be 52 days since their last loss. They have won 13 in a row.
WHY THEY CAN WIN IT
They have the best defense left, fourth overall in KenPom.com’s efficiency rankings.
1B Self Made Men PREP RACE Won by 4 over Duke in overtime ODDS TO WIN IT ALL 3-1 JOCKEY
Senior guard Devonte’ Graham finally has his team on the big stage. He averages 17.3 points and 7.4 assists.
TRAINER
In 15 seasons at Kansas, Bill Self has made it to at least the Sweet 16 on 10 occasions — with this being his third Final Four.
KEY STAT
It has been 10 years since Kansas’ lone title under Self, when they beat Memphis in 2008.
WHY THEY CAN WIN IT
They’re resilient, facing skeptics all season as this Jayhawks team was compared to great ones.
1A Just Say Nova PREP RACE Won by 12 over Texas Tech ODDS TO WIN IT ALL 1-1 JOCKEY
Jalen Brunson, a junior point guard from Stevenson, is the heart of the team and plays with a cool determination.
TRAINER
Jay Wright, Villanova’s coach since 2001, can cement his legacy with a second championship. This is his third Final Four in the last 10 seasons.
KEY STAT
The Wildcats have won all four games by at least 12 points. They’re in the driver’s seat.
WHY THEY CAN WIN IT
They have the nation’s most efficient offense and have looked like the best team since Day 1.