The NCAA tournament is coming to a close as the final four teams have been finalized.
We take a look at the remaining matches along with key factors and predictions that could determine the two finalists.
Auburn Vs. Virginia
The Auburn Tigers are on a hot streak that saw them take down some top ranked teams. They defeated Tennessee in the SEC Conference Final and on the road to the Final Four, they beat no.4 Kansas, no. 1 North Carolina and no.2 Kentucky. They will not be intimidated by facing another top seed.
The Virginia Cavaliers went from being the lowest-ranked no.1 seed to the last top seed standing. They went through the eye of the needle against Purdue, in a play that could become the One Shining Moment for 2019.
This game will be three-point shootout. Auburn depends heavily on the three, with 43.4 percent of their total points come from Downtown. Virginia is not as reliant, but they are the 8th best three point shooting team in the nation.
Prediction: Virginia has the highest odds among the four remaining teams to win the tournament. Their team has played well together and they are hungry to avenge their huge upset from last year. Auburn already had a good run and their luck may have run out.
Game time: Saturday, April 6, 6PM ET.
Michigan State Vs. Texas Tech
The Texas Tech Raiders are the best defensive team in the nation and this was highlighted in their game against no.2 Michigan, which was limited to a measly 44 points. They also shackled the best offense team in the league in no.1 seed Gonzaga to just 69 points, booking their ticket to the Final Four. The Raiders will be strong contenders as they have the top NBA talent in their ranks with Jarett Culver.
Michigan State Spartans will rely on their point guard, Big Ten Player of the Year, Cassius Winston and the emergence of Xavier Tillman at the frontcourt, who stood his ground against the Duke juggernaut and had his own highlight reel. Xavier Tillman is the likely X-factor in the game since he is the key to Michigan State dominating the inside game. Against a defensive, slow-paced Texas Tech squad, the interior game favours the Spartans.
Prediction: Michigan State over Texas Tech, with Coach Tom Izzo proving he is one of the masters of the Final Four. Game time: April 6, 8:49 PM ET.
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