March Madness: Final Four Preview '21

This is what we’ve missed last year as Fans of March Madness. One game, one shot at history, one opportunity. This year, March Madness has been full of the; unexpected, “Cinderella”, juggernauts and controversial heartbreak endings that make Collegiate Basketball so unique. 

 

Women’s Final Four Juggernauts: #1 South Carolina; #1 Stanford

 

On the Women’s side, everything went according to plan as three out of four number one’s in each region, made the Final Four. South Carolina; Stanford; and the dynasty that is UConn Women basketball. For the most part, South Carolina and Stanford have stormed through their respected paths towards the Final Four. The two most dominant teams will face off against each other for the first time this season. Dawn Staley vs. Coach of the Year Tara VanDerveer will be fireworks this evening. 

 

Controversy: #1 UConn

 

Geno Auriemma’s Huskies have overcome challenge after challenge, this season. Lead by Freshman Guard Paige Bueckers, the Huskies are in line for another run at hoisting another National Championship. This year has already set in stone a controversial ‘no call’ during the Elite eight game against second ranked Baylor. Was it a foul? Or was it just a tough call at the end of the game? Either way, the Huskies now face another worthy opponent, wearing a glass slipper. 

 

Cinderella: #3 Arizona

 

It’s difficult to call Arizona the Cinderella in this story, with such a prominent history. However, in this tournament no one expected the Lady Wildcats to be here, except them. After a close call against BYU, Arizona has handled each test convincingly bringing them to the Final Four. They will face off against the UConn Huskies who are eager to show that the controversial no call versus Baylor, was not in vain. 

 

Men’s Final Four Juggernauts: #1 Baylor; #1Gonzaga

 

Baylor and Gonzaga are the only two remaining number ones left in the tournament. Baylor has stormed back after their brief stoppage due to Covid protocols. With a number of different scoring options in a three-guard look, Baylor has handled every challenge that has come their way. Gonzaga has stayed true to their undefeated season. Throughout the tournament, Gonzaga has dominated each opponent convincingly showing their quest to remain undefeated and the overall number one seed, true. 

 

Controversy: #2 Houston

 

Houston had a close call against Rutgers after a back and forth highly competitive game. The Cougars pulled it out in the end versus Rutgers that could’ve easily closed out late but, couldn’t. Now the Cougars face off against Baylor in a favorable matchup of styles that could place Houston in the National Championship game. 

 

Cinderella: #11 UCLA

The allure of the Bruins historic past has given this years’ team a glass slipper. The Bruins have been the bracket busting team that no one expected. Taking down Michigan, Alabama and BYU. Will the story continue against Gonzaga? As the Bruins try to get to the National Championship.