TEAM TO BEAT: North Carolina. The only No. 1 seed remaining, the Tar Heels look like a title team. Their inside game is elite and clearly is advantage against the other three teams in Houston. Add in their recent ability to stretch defenses with their three point shooting, and they are playing nearly unbeatable basketball.
TEAM THAT WILL WIN THE CHAMPIONSHIP: North Carolina. For all the reasons above. The best team doesn't always win, we know, but the Heels have the most going for them. The other schools have weaknesses that Carolina can exploit.
TEAM TO WATCH FOR: Villanova. The Wildcats can be that team that imposes their will on UNC. Their defense has been great and no team has had a more impressive path to the Final Four. They can make UNC's guards uncomfortable and their defense intensity to rock a confident Tar Heel squad.
YOUR CINDERELLA: Syracuse. The Orange aren't supposed to be here. Like, the tournament. Many felt after losing five of their last six games, they shouldn't have even gotten a bid to the dance, but here they are. Getting to the Final Four isn't just about domination, it is about some luck. They avoided Michigan State and needed an epic comeback to down Virginia. Still, a Hall of Fame coach and a zone defense that causes trouble could be enough to carry Syracuse to an unlikely title.
WORST SEEDING ERROR: Oklahoma. Going by the true seeding, Oklahoma was the "fifth No. 1 seed". They were the No. 2 seed in the weakest No. 1 out West. Not only did Oklahoma win the region, but they destroyed No. 1 seeded Oregon in the Elite 8 to do it. The Sooners have a punchers chance to win this thing as Buddy Hield is having one of those transcendent tournaments. He could be the next in a line that includes Danny Manning and Carmelo Anthony to carry a team to a title.
HOME COURT ADVANTAGE: Oklahoma. North Carolina and Syracuse have huge fan bases, but none should fill up NRG Stadium in Houston more than Oklahoma's.
MUST WATCH GAME: Oklahoma vs Villanova. The scrappy team defensive team against the best player in the tournament. Yes please.
MUST WATCH (POTENTIAL) CHAMPIONSHIP GAME: North Carolina vs Oklahoma. Well, the preseason No. 1 team against the Player Of The Year. What a matchup it could be.
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