Loyola’s got a prayer in a low-scoring affair
SAN ANTONIO — I’m sorry this is coming to an end. This has been a lot of fun. Loyola Chicago (+5) over Michigan: The mid-majors who have captured the nation’s heart always disappoint eventually. George Mason was handled by eventual national champion Florida in the Final Four. Butler came a half-court shot short against Duke in the title game, then went unbelievably cold in the next year’s championship against UConn. Wichita State blew a double-digit lead in the second half against Louisville.
For the first time in five years, a true mid-major is back in the Final Four, and the Ramblers have proven they are talented and confident enough to take down another power conference team, having already taken down a No. 3 seed (Tennessee).
Michigan has grinded its way to the final weekend despite failing to recapture its brilliant two-way play from the Big Ten Tournament, partially because the Wolverines have played no team seeded higher than sixth.
Defense has brought both teams here and will define this matchup. In a low-scoring game, take the points, and the crowd favorite that has played as well in the clutch as any team left in the field.
Kansas (+5) over Villanova: When is a scrappy little underdog like the Jayhawks going to start getting some respect?
Kansas has rarely been so over- looked during its run of 14 straight Big 12 championships, and knocking off a Duke team with five players who may soon be taken in the first round of the NBA draft apparently didn’t do much for the perception of the Jayhawks.
This matchup suits Kansas even better, with the high-scoring teams likely to run back and forth in an entertaining shootout. Whoever wins, will win from the perimeter, and there’s no way to know who will be hotter. A fivepoint cushion will be good to have. This season: 25-31-2 2011-17 record: 199-155-8