Story by
Who wins in the Final Four? Our March Madness picks, predictions for the semifinals
- Story by
- Who wins in the Final Four? Our March Madness picks, predictions for the semifinals
We're down to four in the NCAA men's tournament , and fans couldn't have asked for a much better quartet that will play in San Antonio to decide this year's national champion.
All four No. 1 seeds managed to make the national semifinals for just the second time, creating an all-SEC matchup between Auburn and Florida in the first game Saturday and a nightcap featuring Duke and Houston .
Advertisement
Two of the teams - Duke and Auburn - were No. 1 in the poll for multiple weeks with the Blue Devils at the top spot entering the postseason. Houston and Florida both rose as high as No. 2.
The group is full of coaching and star power. Auburn has coach Bruce Pearl and potential national player of the year Johni Broome . Duke features freshman Cooper Flagg , Broom's biggest competition for the award, and Jon Scheyer, who has kept the program among the national elite in three years after replacing Mike Krzyzewski. Houston coach Kelvin Sampson is in his third Final Four and the Cougars are seeking their first national title. Florida has twice won championships this century and will rely on standout guard Walter Clayton to lead them.
So who wins these two matchups Saturday? Our experts weigh in.
Florida vs. Auburn
Jordan Mendoza:Did Auburn learn from the first meeting? Both teams have been vulnerable during the tournament, and Johni Broom's health looms large. The Tigers lead at halftime, but another clutch performance by Walter Clayton Jr. gets Florida in the title game. Florida 85, Auburn 80 .
Advertisement
Paul Myerberg:Auburn's experience and maturity has been a huge advantage in this tournament. A veteran lineup has helped the Tigers survive stiff tests from Creighton, Michigan and Michigan State. Florida is a different animal than what Auburn has faced so far. The Gators' depth and 3-point shooting are two huge assets as Auburn looks to bully Florida closer to the basket. This one is more likely to be a shootout, based on the Gators' 90-81 win during the regular season. Florida 88, Auburn 84 .
Erick Smith:This sets up as a big vs. little matchup with Auburn relying on Johni Broome on the inside and Florida looking to Walter Clayton Jr. on the perimeter. Yes, the Gators won the regular-season meeting, but this game is a completely different circumstance. Which team can handle the pressure of the big moment? The Tigers might have the edge in maturity. Auburn 73, Florida 70 .
Eddie Timanus:The Gators were my pick to win the whole thing at the start of the tournament, so I'm not going to go back on that now even though they've been pushed to the brink a couple of times. It might be cliché to say a team peaked too soon, but Auburn might have done just that. Florida 78, Auburn 72 .
Blake Toppmeyer:Walter Clayton Jr. is becoming the story of this tournament. He's clutch, and the Gators are without weakness. Guards win in March Madness. Auburn's guards are good. Florida's are better. Florida 82, Auburn 70 .
Advertisement
Duke vs. Houston
Jordan Mendoza:Duke's amazing offense faces its biggest challenge yet. The Blue Devils should be able to put up some points against Houston, but the surprise will be the Cougars keep up. Houston's defense toughens up in the final minutes for the win. Houston 63, Duke 61 .
Paul Myerberg:Houston will make Duke earn it on the offensive end, unlike Arizona and Alabama in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight. The Cougars could slow things down enough to negate the Blue Devils' advantages in size and shooting. But Duke is too good and playing too well to be stopped now. Houston will keep the scoring down but won't have enough to pull out a minor upset. Duke 71, Houston 58 .
Erick Smith:Another matchup where the experience factor is important. That edge goes to Houston on the court and with Kelvin Sampson on the bench. Duke has the more dynamic players, including the best one at the Final Four. Can Cooper Flagg produce the biggest shots on the biggest stage? We will bet on him. Duke 70, Houston 66 .
Advertisement
Eddie Timanus:I'm hopeful that this isn't the rock fight some are predicting. The potential is there for this to be a higher scoring game than the stats might suggest, and if that does indeed turn out to be the case I think that favors the Blue Devils. Duke 84, Houston 75 .
Blake Toppmeyer:Nobody defends better than Houston, and the Cougars go five-deep with players who can score in double figures. Their experience will shine at this stage of the tournament. Houston 75, Duke 71 .
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Final Four picks, predictions: Who wins March Madness semifinals?
