The NCAA Tournament has been a wild ride, much as expected, and has successfully lived up to its title of “March Madness.”
Right from the start, brackets were busted with Georgia State defeating Baylor, followed by another 14 seed topping a 3 seed in University of Alabama, Birmingham beating Iowa State.
Heading into the Elite Eight, Kentucky, Notre Dame, Wisconsin, Arizona, Louisville, Michigan State, Duke and Gonzaga remained.
Kentucky improved to 38-0 after narrowly defeating Notre Dame. A pair of free throws late in the game by Aaron Harrison lifted the Wildcats to a 68-66 victory.
The Badgers defeated the Arizona Wildcats for a second straight year in the Elite 8, but this time in regulation. Sam Dekker’s second half shooting propelled the Badgers to the Final Four, where they will meet Kentucky.
Michigan State was able to hold off the strong attack of the Louisville Cardinals to get to its ninth Final Four. Led by senior guard Travis Trice and junior Denzel Valentine, the Spartans look to take down Duke and projected first overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, Jahlil Okafor.
The Duke Blue Devils defeated the Gonzaga Bulldogs in one of the least entertaining games of March. Okafor overpowered the Bulldogs in the post and led the Blue Devils to a 66-52 victory.
The Badgers attempt to take down the undefeated Wildcats on April 4, something no team has been able to do all year.
With nine McDonald’s All-Americans on its roster, the Wildcats have the greatest chance to win the NCAA Championship.
Duke and Michigan State will play in the other Final Four game. Heavily favored Duke expects to end the Cinderella story of Michigan State.
The Schreiber Times predicts Kentucky will defeat Duke in the finals 78-70, completing Kentuckey’s perfect year.
“Growing up I was a big fan of Gonzaga. I’m rooting for them, and I think they can go all the way.”
~ Mr. Benjamin Benfield, Boys JV Lacrosse
“It’s really hard to not pick Kentucky. They have so much talent, and they are looking unstoppable.”
~ Mr. Joe DelGais, Boys Bowling
“My pick in the bracket is Arizona. They have great size that will allow them to match up with the best teams like Kentucky, and they have a bunch of guys that can score.”
~ Mr. Phil Spotteck, Boys Base ball
“I haven’t followed a lot of basketball this season. I do know that Kentucky is undefeated this season and I think they will stay that way and win the tournament.”
~ Mr. Peter Travis, Boys Varsity Tennis
“Kentucky looks really good so far. I’ve got them winning.”
~ Mr. Irving Tom, Boys JV Volleyball
“Wisconsin is looking really good this season. I think they’re the team that can beat Kentucky and win the finals.”
~ Mr. Joe Lennon, Boys and Girls Swimming