March Madness comes to a close this weekend as the 2024 Men’s and Women’s NCAA Tournaments hold their last games.
The Men’s Final Four takes place on Saturday, April 6th in Arizona as the last four teams play for a chance to enter the national championship game on Monday, April 8th.
Purdue vs. NC State
Number one seed Purdue is looking for revenge in their first Final Four appearance since 1980 and after getting knocked out of the first round of the tournament in 2023. The Boilermakers are led by 7’4” center, Zach Edey, who is averaging 25 points per game and is one of the most dominant players in college basketball. Edey has also recorded a double-double in 19 of his 21 last games and is a huge part of Purdue’s success in the tournament.
They are taking on tournament underdog and eleven seed, NC State, who beat Duke 76 to 64 to secure a spot in the Final Four for the fourth time in program history. After winning the 2024 ACC Championship, the Wolfpack has caused some big upsets in March Madness. They have a chance to cause another upset against Purdue with their 6’9” forward, DJ Burns Jr. who had 29 points in their win against Duke.
UConn vs. Alabama
Number one seed UConn has been absolutely dominating the tournament by beating every team they have faced by double digits. The Huskies are the reigning tournament champions and the favorite to win the tournament once again chosen by more than a fourth of the country.
UConn is playing number four seed Alabama who is entering their first ever Final Four. The Crimson Tide have already beat number one North Carolina and number six Clemson in the tournament and will have to continue this momentum if they want to make it to their first ever NCAA championship game.
The Women’s Final Four takes place on Friday, April 5th in Cleveland and the national championship game is on Sunday, April 7th.
South Carolina vs. NC State
Number one seed South Carolina enters the Final Four with an undefeated season for the second year in a row with a 36-0 record. The Gamecocks are led by the second leading three point shooter in the country, Te-Hina Paopao, and 6’7” center, Kamilla Cardoso who averages 14 points per game.
They take on number three seed NC State who will be entering their first Final Four in 26 years after upsetting number two Stanford and number one Texas by 27 points to continue their March Madness journey. The Wolfpack is led by Aziaha James who has averaged 24.3 points per game so far in the tournament and is 16 for 28 in three point attempts. NC State will have to end South Carolina’s undefeated streak to enter their first ever national championship game.
Iowa vs. UConn
Number one seed Iowa is looking to take home their first ever NCAA Championship title led by top WNBA prospect, Caitlin Clark, who leads the all time scoring list. Clark had 41 points and 12 assists against LSU in the Elite Eight and has averaged 29.3 points per game in the tournament. She also leads the nation in scoring and assists and will be the one to lead the Hawkeyes to the championship game if they can win the Final Four.
They are up against the most storied program in women’s college basketball history with 11 NCAA Championships in number three seed UConn who is entering their 23rd Final Four. They are led by Paige Buecker who averages 22.3 points per game and 5.2 rebounds who was just a freshman when the Huskies ended Iowa’s Sweet Sixteen run in 2021. UConn beat number one USC 80 to 73 to enter the Final Four and is looking to take down another number one seed team to add another championship to their legacy.
