The Final Four is the pinnacle of college basketball, where dreams are made and legends are born. As the 2024 NCAA Tournament reaches its climax, four teams remain standing, each with their sights set on the ultimate prize. UConn, Alabama, Purdue, and NC State have battled through a grueling tournament, showcasing their resilience, skill, and determination.
Now, these four teams find themselves just two wins away from immortality. Who will survive this Final Four clash and emerge as the national champion?
UConn: The Defending Champions
The UConn Huskies enter the Final Four as the defending national champions and the tournament’s top overall seed. Led by the dynamic duo of Donovan Clingan and Tristen Newton, the Huskies have been a force to be reckoned with all season long. Their suffocating defense and efficient offense have propelled them to a 35-3 record.
UConn’s path to the Final Four has been nothing short of dominant. They have won their four tournament games by an average margin of 27.8 points, showcasing their ability to overwhelm opponents on both ends of the floor. Their dominance was on full display in the Elite Eight when they went on a 30-0 run in the second half against the third-seed Illinois.
Alabama: The High-Octane Offense
The Alabama Crimson Tide have taken the tournament by storm with their high-powered offense and relentless style of play. Under the guidance of head coach Nate Oats, Alabama has embraced a fast-paced, three-point-heavy attack that has left opponents scrambling to keep up. The Crimson Tide lead the nation in scoring, averaging a staggering 90.6 points per game.
In the Sweet 16, Alabama knocked off top-seeded North Carolina in a thrilling 89-87 victory before dispatching Clemson 77-72 in the Elite Eight. The Crimson Tide’s success has been fueled by the play of their dynamic backcourt, led by Mark Sears and Aaron Estrada. This will be Alabama’s first-ever trip to the Final Four.
Purdue: The Big Man’s Game
The Purdue Boilermakers have been a model of consistency throughout the season, riding the broad shoulders of their dominant center, Zach Edey. The 7-foot-4 senior has been a force in the paint. Edey’s presence has allowed Purdue to control the tempo and impose their will on opponents.
Purdue’s path to the Final Four has been a testament to their resilience and toughness. They survived a scare against Gonzaga in the Sweet 16, winning 80-68, before outlasting Tennessee 72-66 in a hard-fought Elite Eight battle. Edey has been the catalyst for the Boilermakers’ success, but he has had plenty of help from his supporting cast. Freshman guards Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer have provided steady play in the backcourt, while senior forward Mason Gillis has been a reliable two-way player.
NC State: The Cinderella Story
The NC State Wolfpack have been the surprise of the tournament, making an improbable run to the Final Four as a No. 11 seed. The Wolfpack weren’t projected to make the field of 68 unless they won their ACC Tournament. They caught fire at the right time, becoming the first team in ACC history to win five games in five days, ending with a championship win over North Carolina. They kept their hot run going in the NCAA Tournament, knocking off higher-seeded opponents with their gritty defense and timely shooting.
NC State’s path to the Final Four has been a true Cinderella story. They upset No. 6 seed Texas Tech in the first round and barely escaped another Cinderella, No. 14 Oakland, in overtime in the second round. From there, they kept the momentum train going, easily disposing of No. 2 Marquette and No. 4 Duke to propel themselves into the Final Four. NC State’s success has been fueled by the play of DJ Burns, Jr. and D.J. Horne.
Final Four Matchups
As the time approaches, fans and bettors alike are analyzing the Final Four matchup bets and looking for edges. UConn enters as the heavy favorite to not only beat Alabama but also win the national championship. Purdue is seen as having the best chance to knock off the champions while Alabama and NC State are all big underdogs. If UConn were to cut down the nets, they would become the first team since Florida in 2007 to win back-to-back national titles.
Conclusion
The 2024 Final Four is shaping up to be a battle of contrasting styles and storylines. UConn enters as the defending champion and top overall seed, looking to cement their place among the all-time great college basketball dynasties. Alabama brings their high-octane offense and fearless approach, hoping to win their first national championship in school history. Purdue rides the broad shoulders of their dominant center, Zach Edey, as they seek to end the Big Ten’s title drought. And NC State looks to complete their Cinderella run and become the first No. 11 seed to win it all.
Regardless of who emerges victorious, the 2024 Final Four promises to be a thrilling conclusion to an unforgettable college basketball season. The stage is set, the teams are ready, and the world is watching. Let the games begin.
