Still trying to figure out the NCAA Tournament? This one’s tougher to decipher than a drunken congressman explaining health care.
There are just four teams left, and there’s still no clear favorite or even rooting choice. No superstar to lead his team. No underdog to champion.
These may be familiar faces, but the jerseys have blue collars.
Michigan State vs. Butler in Saturday’s first semifinal is a meeting of two No. 5 seeds both resisting favorite status. Michigan State became the fourth team to reach six Final Fours in 12 years, but Butler is the sentimental favorite because of its hometown advantage. The Bulldogs are playing only six miles from campus, making Michigan State invaders on a supposedly neutral court.
Butler is a mid-major with the best defense this side of Gilbert Arenas’ legal team. Michigan State survived losing one injured star and having two more players hurt. Butler will have the crowd, but Michigan State will advance to its second straight title game.
Duke vs. West Virginia is considered the real championship game given that they’re No. 1 and 2 seeds, respectively.
Who will Maryland fans root for? Duke is a blood enemy, and West Virginia is a border rival. It’s like watching two schoolyard bullies fight — just grab some popcorn and enjoy the show.
Duke has the physical edge over West Virginia, which won on the outside against Kentucky in the East Region final via 10 3-pointers. The Mountaineers offer a versatile defense, but the Blue Devils’ inside edge will be the deciding factor.
Michigan State vs. Duke in the final again would show that March Madness may be about small school upsets, but April belongs to the heavyweights. Duke will go for its fourth crown and Michigan State its third. The programs combined have 23 Final Four appearances. West Virginia now has two. Butler is playing in its first.
Duke rarely misses postseason opportunities like this one. Maryland was Duke’s equal during the ACC regular season, but the Blue Devils won the conference tournament while the Terps lost their first game. Maryland was then beaten in the NCAA second round, while Duke can win it all. There wasn’t much difference between the teams, but the Blue Devils’ postseason discipline helps them avoid upsets.
Michigan State’s improbable streak finally will end Monday when Duke wins the title. The Blue Devils were a ridiculed first seed, but in the end Duke will prove itself once more the nation’s best team.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com and Twitter @Snide_Remarks or
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