It's finally here. NC State and Alabama gave way to give us one of the most anticipated national championships in recent memory. The two best teams in the country get to go at it for forty minutes with a national title on the line. Each program looking to make history. Both coaches looking to cement themselves in the history books of this beautiful tournament. Will it be UConn, winners of 11 straight tournament games, to go back to back for the first time since Florida? Or will it be Purdue, the seemingly cursed program with a Goliath down low, to win their first title in school history? The storylines are running rampant, and it's setting up a monumental showdown in the national championship.
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The Champs
The Connecticut Huskies have been the class of the sport over the past two years. Holding a combined record of 67-11, UConn has cemented themselves as a blue blood program. Despite losing three players to the draft, Danny Hurley reloaded his squad. Rutgers transfer Cam Spencer plays with the same passion that Hurley coaches with. Sophomore breakout Donovan Clingan has been unleashed, and is the favorite to win the Tournament's Most Outstanding Player Award. Freshman Stephon Castle has been lights out defensively, locking down the other team's best guard night in and night out. Led by Tristen Newton, the Huskies have the firepower to outmatch anyone in the country.
The Challengers
The Purdue Boilermakers have gone through hell and back to get to where they were. After losing to a double digit seed three years in a row, Matt Painter has seemingly shaken his March demons. Purdue has rolled through this tournament. They are led by two time National Player of the Year Zach Edey. Edey has been one of the most dominant players the college game has ever seen. He's a monster down low, getting to his spots with ease. Outside of their big men, Braden Smith is the quarterback of the offense. Cool, calm, and collected, Smith initiates the offense in all sorts of ways. Transfer Lance Jones has been the big shot maker down the stretch, stopping opponents' momentum with ease. Fletcher Lloyer, Trey Kaufman-Renn, and Mason Gillis shine in their role alongside their two stars.
The Matchup
The matchup everyone wants to talk about is Edey vs Clingan. The two seven footers have been the talk of the tournament, both dominant in their own ways. Edey has been unstoppable offensively. Clingan has transformed into the second coming of Mutombo. However, the real matchup resides beyond the arc. As do most games, the guards will determine the game. Can Braden Smith handle the pressure of Stephon Castle? Can Fletcher Lloyer shake free of Cam Spencer? Will Lance Jones be able to hit those big shots against Tristen Newton? Reversely, how will Newton fare against Jones? The national championship will be decided on who is able to dominate the backcourt.
I think I set the stage enough, let's get into my game predictions. Like I said, Edey is going to get his. Clingan's rim-running should allow himself to get some easy dunks in transition. Although Edey has been unreal, I think NC State gave UConn the blueprint to stop this potent Purdue offense. UConn has to swipe at the ball when it gets put on the ground, and force the Boilermaker guards to hit shots. In the end, I think UConn's backcourt is going to be too much to handle for Purdue. If you wanted to play pickup basketball, Edey would be the number one pick. After that, there's a strong case you could take five UConn players before you selected another Boilermaker. The Huskies' depth will be too much for Painter and Purdue, giving UConn their sixth national championship.
Parting Thoughts
It's been an amazing season, and I had so much fun covering this sport for a full year. Thank you to all of you who have shown continuous support reading my articles. If you liked this article and want to read the rest of our March Madness content, click here.