March Madness: Final Four

The second weekend continued the exciting action that the NCAA Tournament has given us this year. Butler has continued their magical run all the way to the Final Four and their backyard. Kentucky another favor for much of the year came up short against West Virginia. Tom Izzo crafted another title contender a year after falling short in the title game and is heading back to the Final Four for another shot. And after a some time, the Duke Blue Devils are heading back to the Final Four. We had overtime thrillers and nailbiters in most of the games. My picks up to this point are 44-17. After months of games and 4 tournament rounds, the Final Four is set.

Now to chose this year's national champion.

Final Four Game 1: West Virginia vs Duke: West Virginia has been a very special team from the last couple weeks of the regular season through the Big East Tournament and has gotten it done so far. However, Duke has been constantly good all year and has gone under the radar for much of the year. The big men combined with the three outside shooters will be too much for the Mountaineers down the stretch. PICK: DUKE

Final Four Game 2: Michigan State vs Butler: Butler is not your traditional Cinderella as they were a top 20 team and have been pretty good the last few years. However, few outside of the Butler campus could have predicted they would be in the Final Four. The combination of grit and determination along with one of their best players, Gordon Hayward, have not been scared of any challenge. Michigan State is banged up and was predicted to be back to the Big Dance this year, but Tom Izzo knows how to coach a team up. This will come down to turnovers and probably the late 4th quarter. I just think the Spartans have a little too much experience for the Bulldogs, but wouldn't be too surprised if Butler can continue their dream season. PICK: MICHIGAN STATE

Championship Game: Michigan State vs Duke: Duke has too many weapons when they are all firing on all cylinders. The big men will wear down the Spartans inside and open a lot of shots for the big 3 shooters. Duke and Coach K will be cutting down the nets for the 4th time. PICK: DUKE

Alternative Selections: Because I am going all out with the championship game selections, I might misfire. So with that said, if Butler wins instead of Michigan State; they will also fall to the Blue Devils. If West Virginia ends up playing Michigan State, I give the edge to the Mountaineers, but if Butler is their opponent; the Bulldogs ride the magic to the title with a last shot.

All and all the season was often hard to gauge who the top team was and the way the tournament went, it wasn't too surprising we saw a few underdogs make runs. After a couple years of chalk, the tournament returned to its "mad" nature. However, I think the season lacked a little something that we usually get with a couple of great teams. But it looks like a title for Duke will reestablish a tournament regular and championship team at the top again this year.