Which Final Four National Championship story will come true?
There are four fascinating stories to go to the national semifinals at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday.
The No. 1 Baylor (26-2) meets No. 2 Houston (28-3) in the first national semifinal at 5:14 pm. The Bears are making their third Final Four appearance and are trying to make the championship game for the first time since 1948. The Cougars are back in the Final Four for the first time since 1980’s Phi Slama Jama Heyday. This matchup of former Southeastern Conference rivals must be heated.
That’s why the table-setter for the second matchup between No. 1 Gonzaga (30–0) and No. 11 UCLA (22–9) in the second semi-final tried to end the first undefined season since the second Bulldogs at 8:34 p.m. are doing. Indiana in 1975–76. The Bruins made their run from First Four and are trying to add the 12th National Championship to their collection.
Which two teams will complete those stories? Sporting News gave its prediction for the national semi-finals:
More Points: Live Score | Updated bracket | TV schedule
Final four hurdles 2021
Below are the March Madness Odds for the final four, including point spreads, money lines and over-under totals for every game, According to FanDuel Sportsbook.
| sport | Spread | money Line | over under |
| Boiler vs houston | BAY-5 | BAY-215 | 134 |
| Gonzaga vs. UCLA | GON-14 | GON-1100 | Is 145.5 |
Last four pics, predictions
No. 1 boiler (-5) vs. No. 2 Houston
Saturday, 5:14 pm, C.B.S.
Beyonger is considered by Gonzaga to be the best wager due to a top-10 scoring offense that averages 83.0 points per game, but they must first get through the defensive-minded Houston team. It is a reflection of coaches Scott Drew and Calvin Sampson.
Beers’ strength is a backcourt featuring Jared Butler, Makio Tegu and Davian Mitchell. Baylor is hitting 35.7 percent of his three-point attempts in the tournament, but a hidden key to that success is role players such as Adam Flailer, Matthew Mayer, Jonathan Tchamwa Tchathatoua, Mark Vital and Flo Thamba.
That eight-man rotation has been effective, and the Bears are good enough to win with their offense or defense.
Houston’s offense revolves around Quentin Grimes, who has hit 43.6 percent of his 3-point attempts in the tournament. Marcus Sasser is an outstanding wing man, averaging 13.3 points per game, and Dejon Jarareu and Justin Gorham are key players. The Cougars are winning with their defense. He has allowed just 55.8 ppg. In the tournament, and that approach will not change against Baylor.
The main match will be Grimes against Mitchell, one of the best defensive players in college basketball. Houston should shoot the ball from 3-point range, and Baylor has limited opponents to 26.4 shooting from that range.
A tight game is expected in the first half with tight security from both sides. Baylor, however, is a more consistent offensive team, and they should generate enough transition and second-chance points in the second half. The Beers would have to knock out late free throws to seal it, and there is no guarantee that they are 70.2% for the season.
Baylor, however, draws further advances through the national championship game.
final score: Boiler 73, Houston 67
No. 1 Gonzaga (-14) vs. No. 11 UCLA
Saturday, 8:34 pm, C.B.S.
The Bulldogs defeated their first four tournament opponents by an average of 24 points a game, a key run run of a season in which they averaged 91.6 ppg. Mark Fuw is on the verge of achieving that elusive national championship, and the offense is impressive.
Gonzaga will present UCLA’s outrageous problems, and the center begins with Drew Taimi (18.9 ppg). The Bruins are already at a size advantage, and Timmy’s ability to get through dual teams will make that task more difficult. UCLA forward Cody Riley, who was out against Michigan, will be on the spot.
Corey Kispert (19.0 ppg.) And Jalan Suggs (14.0 ppg.) Are high scoring options in the backcourt, and Joel Ayay and Andrew Nembard can score double points on any given night.
UCLA will have to be perfect on both sides, but coach Mick Cronin deserves credit for fostering the belief that the former fielded upsets against No. 2 Alabama and No. 1 Michigan.
The Bruins’ offense continues with Johnny Jujang, a Kentucky transfer who averages 22.4 ppg. In the tournament. Jaime Jaquez, Jules Bernard and Tiger Campbell – a point guard who have stepped into the tournament – make a talented backcourt.
The problem is subject to UCLA scoring drots, and it cannot afford to be one against Gonzaga’s up-tempo. When they force 13 turnovers or more, the Bruins are 9-1, but they require Gonzaga to commit at least 20 turnovers and have an off-shooting night.
This is too much to ask. The Pac-12 Pride should be more of a sentiment due to the dynamic, but Gonzaga earns that shot in a perfect season in style.
final score: Gonzaga 84, UCLA 70
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