The 2023 Men's March Madness tournament has been one for the ages. For the first time in history, neither a 1, 2, or 3 seed will be present in the Final Four. But there's even more–for the first time in 53 years, three of the Final Four squads are first-timers: FAU, Miami, and SDSU.
It's been a wild March and the Final Four should be just as chaotic as the games that got us to this point–here's a look at the teams that are poised to continue their respective seasons and play for a national championship next Monday.
Men's Basketball Championship Final Four
#5 SDSU vs. #9 FAU
Saturday, April 1, 2023 – 6:09 P.M.
NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
The San Diego State Aztecs continued their magical season defeating #6 Creighton in the last seconds of their Elite Eight showdown to make their first ever appearance in the Final Four.
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The Aztecs are the best defensive team left in the tournament–they haven't given up over 70 points in a month and limited Alabama's nearly 82 PPG offense to just 64 points in the Sweet 16. In four tournament games this postseason, the Aztecs have surrendered just an average of 57.25 PPG and while that's a small sample size, three of the four opponents they faced on their way here came in averaging over 80 PPG and were among the Top 20 in PPG.
On the offensive side, San Diego State has tons of depth. While senior guard Matt Bradley is their leading scorer, they've had a different leading scorer in all four tournament games. The Aztecs should not be taken lightly.
However, the Aztec's opponent shouldn't be taken lightly either. The Florida Atlantic Owls are clicking at exactly the right time.
The lowest seed left in the tournament comes into the Final Four riding an 11-game win streak and this is no ordinary run–the Owls have faced a difficult path in #8 Memphis, #4 Tennessee, and a scorching hot #3 Kansas State to make it to the semifinals this year.
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FAU is a dominant rebounding team, as evidenced by their four consecutive rebounding advantages in their tournament matchups. And although they're one of the nation's best offenses, the Owls also possess a trio of double digit scorers. As has been the case throughout the tournament, the underrated Conference USA program will find ways to stay in games late and thrive in the latter stages.
This should be a great game between two teams with lots of talent. If FAU wants to win this game, they have to score at least 70. I believe SDSU's defense will be the X-Factor and will hold the Owls to under 70 points, granting their entry into the NCAA men's national championship game for the first time in program history.
I'm taking SDSU by 4.
Prediction: SDSU 63 FAU 59
#4 Uconn vs. #5 Miami
Saturday, April 1, 2023 – 8:49 P.M.
NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
UConn continued their torrid stretch taking down #3 Gonzaga in the most lopsided defeat in Elite Eight history. The Huskies limited that powerhouse offense in Gonzaga to just 54 points. To put that in perspective, Gonzaga came in averaging over 87 PPG.
The Huskies are playing on another level right now and have now won four straight by 15 or more points. On top of that they've continued their perfect season against non-conference opponents, currently standing at 15-0.
Throughout the tournament, the Huskies have dominated their opponents in three pointers made, three point percentage, and rebounds. These traits have been fundamental to their tournament success.
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Led by sophomore guard Jordan Hawkins and junior forward Adamo Sanago, the Huskies will look to make it to their first championship appearance since 2014, when they won it all. They have shown time and time again how talented they are, and, down the stretch, they have handled some of the best teams with ease (I'm looking at you, Gonzaga).
However, the team that will look to thwart UConn is a team also coming in with much confidence. It also happens to be a team with arguably the most talented starting five in men's college basketball.
The Miami Hurricanes have been on a roll this tournament, with consecutive wins against #1 Houston and #2 Texas. The Canes arguably have the best guard play in all of college basketball highlighted by the trio of junior Isaiah Wong, senior Jordan Miller, and sophomore Nijel Pack. They also have sophomore forward Norchad Omier who can get a double-double on any given day.
While posing entirely unique and different skill sets, this starting lineup can hurt you from all over, whether it be Nigel Pack's danger from the three point line, Jordan Miller's perfect FG percentage in his most recent game where he tallied 27 points, or Isaiah Wong's ability to take over late in a game, these Canes are no joke.
This should no doubt be an incredible game highlighted by two of the most talented teams in men's college basketball. UConn's ability to rebound and seemingly consistently hit threes will be the difference maker.
I see the Huskies just edging the Canes out by 4 on the heels of Jordan Miller.
Prediction: UCONN 83 MIAMI 79
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Image Credit: San Diego Athletics/Canes Warning/UConn Athletics/The Palm Beach Post
* Originally published on March 31, 2023, by Nicholas Nathanson
