For the fifth time in tournament history, the NCAA Men’s Final Four has come to San Antonio. Festivities kickoff Saturday, with Auburn taking on Florida at 6 p.m. and Houston battling Duke at 7:49 p.m. The matchups are set to be electrifying and will be memorable for years to come. Here’s what to expect from one of the biggest days in college basketball.
Auburn vs. Florida
Currently, a -2.5 point favorite to win the game, it is improbable the Florida Gators come away with a loss. The team has been led primarily by star breakout point guard Walter Clayton Jr. Currently averaging 22.3 points per game in the tournament, Clayton Jr. has continued to make clutch plays late for the Gators, hitting clutch shots and consistently making winning plays. The team has heavily depended on him and will need him to play well if they are to beat Auburn University.
Unfortunately for the Tigers, they will come into the game at a disadvantage due to a recent injury to their star forward Johni Broome. The senior forward left the team’s Elite Eight matchup against Michigan State University after suffering injuries in his left leg and right elbow. Though he did return to the game and plans on playing in the Final Four, it is hard to imagine a scenario where Broome gets his usual 17 points and 13 rebounds. Leading the team in both scoring and boards, Broome’s injury will deal a severe handicap to the Tigers, making the game ripe for the Gators’ taking.
Paisano Pick: Florida 89, Auburn 77
Houston vs. Duke
Arguably the most exciting matchup of the night, University of Houston and Duke University are set to have a duel for the ages. Despite many fans penciling in the Blue Devils advancing to the National Championship, the game will be a lot closer than people think. This is thanks in part to the Cougars’ explosive scoring output and elite shooting capability. Led by the backcourt tandem of guards LJ Cryer and Milos Uzan, Houston is lethal at scoring the basketball. Every player on their roster is capable of performing at a high level, as showcased by their previous games, where the team had a different leading scorer in each of the four matchups. Whether it is Cryer sneaking his way to the basket, Uzan dominating from the mid-range, or forward J’Wan Roberts powering his way to the hoop, the Cougars excel at all facets of the game.
While the team will keep the Blue Devils on their toes, their efforts are likely to be futile. Sadly for the Cougars, there is simply no answer for superstar freshman forward Cooper Flagg and his Duke teammates. The team possesses an average height of 6-foot-6 inches and is known for its defensive length and overwhelming offensive attack. Led by Flagg and his 19.5 points, 7.8 boards and 5.3 assists a game, the Blue Devils will prove to be too much for Houston to handle.
Paisano Pick: Duke 92, Houston 84
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