The madness is nearly over, but there is still plenty to play for. The Final Four is close to being decided, and from there we will find out who the champions will be this year. There have already been a few surprises and upsets along the way, and Texan teams have an advantage in the run-in.
Both Texas and Houston have a route to the elite eight, but only one will make it to the final four and potentially go all the way to win on home turf. This is still plenty of minutes to play before we reach the final game on April 3rd. Here is a quick guide to some of the thrills and spills so far and who might make it to the Final Four, and beyond.
The South Belongs To ‘Bama
The crimson tide looks set to become a tsunami that will wash over the South Region. Alabama is on most experts’ Final Four shortlist, and everyone was confident that Nate Oats’ squad will win the South Region. The South did not have any upsets in store for Alabama or college hoops fans. The real speculation now is whether they will go all the way. The march madness odds are in full flow at BetUS, America’s favorite sportsbook. You can find fat odds on Alabama to win, but only slim odds on their ability to reach the Final Four. They are shoe-ins for getting that far.
Duke-ing It Out In The East
Most of the experts had a lot of faith in Jon Scheyer with his tight team made up mostly of freshmen. In fact, an Alabama versus Duke final was a popular prediction among basketball fans and experts across the board. Duke was a top pick for progression from the East Region, and the thinking was if they make it out of the East there will be little to stop them from going all the way. The freshman-dominant team had plenty to prove, as well as the skills and the passion needed to make a push for the Championship. The dream is over, however, but they will be back next year and back stronger too.
The Wild, Wild West
Reigning champions Kansas looked like shoe-ins for the Final Four, and even for a successful defense of their title. It is not looking like they will be cutting down the nets this year though, despite all the early confidence. This was the region to watch this year, with plenty of upsets and busted brackets lying on the ground once we reached the Sweet 16. Gonzaga has emerged as an early favorite among fans and amongst the sportsbooks after their performances. The road to the final championship game would be rough for them, however, with plenty of obstacles in their way like UCLA and the winner of UConn and Arkansas.
The Midwest Looked Pretty Mid
Two teams in this region took an early lead in the minds of the experts and of the sportsbooks, but there was not much in it. Texas and Houston are clearly contenders for winning the championship, but anything can happen in the back end of the bracket. Xavier is a strong squad that many people identified as contenders earlier in the year. They could upset the Texan applecart and keep both Texas and Houston out of the final four. It really is anyone’s guess which Midwest team will make it the furthest.
Cutting Down The Nets
Everyone wants to know who will win, and it is hard to identify a strong candidate for victory. Texas is definitely in the mix, and it is hard to discount Alabama. They could be the finalists, but if they are who wins? This is what is making it so hard to predict, there is little between the top contenders and March is known for its madness. Literally, anything can happen. Xavier could come out of nowhere, also known as the Midwest, and be cutting down the nets in Houston this year. Obviously, one of the Texan teams would be happy to win on home turf, but if you have to put money down now Alabama looks most likely to be slicing through the ropes to claim their place in college basketball history.
Keep your eyes peeled and your TV tuned into the championship. The madness is only just beginning. The early favorites before the bracket began are nearly all gone, with Duke arguably the biggest casualty of the championship so far.
The momentum is with the crimson tide of Alabama and their place in the final four seems assured. Expect Texas and Gonzaga to be in the mix too. If you absolutely have to have a complete list of final four contenders to choose from, go with this; Alabama, Texas, Gonzaga, and Kansas State.