All articles tagged with #final four
Since 1985, 1-seeds reach the Final Four about 41% of the time, 2-seeds about 20%, and 3-seeds roughly 10–15%, with seeds 12–16 never advancing to the Final Four. Nebraska is generating strong season buzz and appears in top seed projections, illustrating that March Madness remains famously unpredictable: a team’s seed helps, but upsets and surprises can still shape the path to the Final Four.
Michigan honored Trey Burke by raising his jersey to the Crisler Center rafters, recognizing his 2013 National Player of the Year and Big Ten Player of the Year season and his pivotal moments that helped return the program to prominence during his time in Ann Arbor.
Nebraska's men's basketball team, led by coach Fred Hoiberg and star player Sam Hoiberg, has started the season with a historic 12-0 record, defying expectations and aiming for their first NCAA tournament win, with potential to make a deep run given their current performance and team chemistry.
Texas A&M achieved its first women’s volleyball Final Four appearance by upsetting unbeaten Nebraska in five sets, ending Nebraska's 34-match winning streak and historic home winning streaks, and will face Pitt in the semifinals.
Tahaad Pettiford, a talented sophomore guard for Auburn, has decided to withdraw from the NBA Draft and return to college for another season, citing a favorable NIL deal and the potential for a significant role on the team. Pettiford, who contributed to Auburn's deep NCAA Tournament run, is expected to be a key player in their upcoming season, especially with the team losing several seniors and adding transfers. His decision underscores his confidence in Auburn's prospects for 2025-26.
The NCAA men's lacrosse Final Four will take place on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, with Notre Dame facing Denver at noon ET and Maryland playing Virginia at 2:30 p.m. ET. Both games will be broadcast on ESPN2 and can be streamed live on DirecTV Stream and other services. Notre Dame, the defending national champion, is the top seed and favorite to win.
Olivia Dunne celebrates LSU gymnastics' advancement to the NCAA Championship Final, despite not competing in the semifinal. The team posted a strong score, led by Haleigh Bryant, and will face California, Utah, and Florida in the championship matchup. Dunne, a social media sensation, has been actively supporting the team and recently reunited with her childhood hero, Aly Raisman. The NCAA Championship Final will air on Saturday at 4 p.m. ET on ABC.
The author reflects on Purdue's journey to the Men's Basketball National Championship game, expressing optimism and gratitude for the team's accomplishments and the support of fans. They acknowledge the significance of the upcoming game against UConn and express hope for a Purdue victory, while also emphasizing pride in the team's achievements regardless of the outcome.
Alabama's head coach Nate Oats expressed disappointment in his team's inability to take as many 3-point shots as they would have liked in their Final Four loss to UConn. Despite a strong season, the Crimson Tide fell short in their first appearance in the Final Four, with UConn's strong defense limiting their 3-point attempts. UConn's victory sets up a national title game against Purdue.
Iowa guard Gabbie Marshall deleted her social media accounts due to receiving "hate comments" following a controversial foul call in the Final Four game against UConn. The call, which resulted in a moving screen foul on UConn's Aaliyah Edwards, sparked online debate about its impact on the game's outcome. Marshall defended the call, stating that if it's the right call, it should be made regardless of the time left in the game. Despite the backlash, she played a crucial defensive role in limiting UConn star Paige Bueckers and drawing the foul that sealed the win for Iowa.
Cleveland is hosting the Final Four of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament and will also experience a total solar eclipse on Monday. The city is expecting a surge in visitors for both events, with estimates of 20,000 to 30,000 people for the Final Four and 200,000 for the eclipse. Hotels have been fully booked for months, and prices for accommodations have skyrocketed. The eclipse coincides with the NCAA championship game, and while some players may miss it, the city is preparing for the influx of visitors and ensuring they are ready for the celestial event.
NC State's DJ Burns Jr. delivered a heartfelt message after the team's Final Four exit, expressing gratitude for the March Madness experience. The team's Cinderella run included winning the ACC Championship and becoming the first team with 14+ losses to make it to the Final Four. Despite the defeat, Burns' leadership and the team's performance have revitalized the culture and excitement at NC State.
Purdue's basketball team embarked on a transformative journey, traveling to Europe and Hawaii to heal and bond after a devastating loss in the 2023 NCAA tournament. They emerged stronger, winning the Maui Invitational and securing a spot in the Final Four for the first time since 1980. Despite feeling unsatisfied with their performance in the Final Four, the Boilermakers defeated NC State to advance to the national championship game. Led by standout player Zach Edey, the team has overcome past criticisms and is poised to face UConn in the championship game, having already conquered their demons from last season.
UConn freshman Stephon Castle's breakout performance, scoring 21 points, powered the Huskies to a victory over Alabama in the Final Four, setting up a title showdown against Purdue. Castle's assertiveness and athleticism were on full display as he took advantage of Alabama's defensive strategy. The upcoming championship game will feature the two best teams in college basketball, with UConn aiming for a repeat national title and Purdue seeking redemption after last year's upset.
Despite a subpar performance by point guard Braden Smith, Purdue secured a 63-50 victory over NC State, earning a spot in the national championship game. Smith struggled with turnovers and shooting, but his coach's unwavering trust and support buoyed his spirits. While concerns linger about Smith's recent performance, the team remains optimistic about his potential impact in the upcoming title game against Connecticut.