I’m never one to advocate mid-major on mid-major crime, especially in the Final Four, but Saturday’s Butler-VCU matchup is intriguing on so many levels, albeit not the sexiest matchup in the world. It may be a TV ratings nightmare for CBS, but these two giant killers have played the role of spoiler to perfection in the 2011 NCAA Tournament, advancing to the Final Four after pulling off countless upsets. On Saturday, their journeys intersect, guaranteeing we’ll have a non-power conference school in the NCAA Championship for the second consecutive year.
The matchup brings with it plenty of questions, as well. Can VCU, playing with a chip on its shoulder while battling teams that were better on paper continue to use the doubters as motivation? Can Butler, whose winning streak is nearly two months long, continue to roll and make it back to the NCAA Championship to vindicate its loss to Duke last season? Which of these two mid-major survivors can advance and which has the best chance to be the ultimate giant slayer in the NCAA Championship?
We’ll find out as Butler and VCU hit the court in Houston on Saturday afternoon. Here’s the quick game capsule for the matchup.
Game time: Butler and VCU tip-off at 3:09 p.m. in the first of two Final Four games.
TV information: CBS has the broadcasting duties for both Final Four games, beginning with the Butler-VCU matchup.
Preview: To get a look at the two teams, check out our Butler Final Four preview and VCU Final Four preview for statistical looks at the two teams.
Check back with our Final Four StoryStream for more previews and updates on the day’s games. Grab a printable bracket from SB Nation and be sure to stop by the NCAA Tournament hub for full March Madness coverage.