It shouldn’t be a surprise, but both Final Four matchups are expected to be close, with many predictive systems calling Saturday’s games toss-ups. There’s no questioning the talent that will take the floor in Houston on Saturday night’s matchup between Kentucky and UConn, but which team’s talent will prevail with a chance to play Butler or VCU for the NCAA Championship on the line? Experts, computers and oddsmakers have all been hard at work looking for an answer this week, and the conclusion is about as clear as mud.
We’ve already taken a statistical look at Kentucky and UConn, but now it’s time to predict a winner. The odds say this one, like Butler and VCU, is a close one, with Kentucky favored by just two points in the last point spread. The line opened favoring Kentucky by 2.5 and has barely moved ahead of Saturday’s game.
Ken Pomeroy’s system has the Wildcats winning by two, as well, with 58 percent confidence. His system has Kentucky beat UConn in a close one, 70-68, but it’s little more than a coin-flip.
Add it all up and Saturday’s Final Four game is incredibly hard to pick. UConn has been the hot hand lately as it gathers momentum with win after win in tournament settings. Kentucky has also been impressive, winning its last 10 games, including an SEC Tournament championship.
It’s hard to pick against Kemba Walker, Jeremy Lamb and the Huskies, so I won’t. If it’s close in the final moments, there’s no player I’d rather have with the ball in his hands than Walker, especially in a big game. He’s proven time and again he’s up to the task, and the Final Four seems like another great chance from him to create a lasting memory. Go with UConn in a close one, 74-73.
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.