Not less than one program is assured its first Ultimate 4 look this 12 months and two others might make it to the nationwide semifinals for the primary time for the reason that Eighties. Lots is at stake when the Elite Eight ideas off on Saturday evening – even for UConn, which is trying to perform one thing that hasn’t been executed in virtually 20 years.
This is a have a look at what every staff left within the males’s NCAA Match is taking part in for once they tip off within the Elite Eight.
Connecticut
Final Ultimate 4: 2023
UConn seeks to develop into the primary staff since North Carolina (2016-17) to make consecutive Ultimate Fours. As sturdy because the Huskies have regarded by means of three video games, they’re able to extra. Florida was the final staff to win back-to-back nationwide titles (2006-07), which is the place UConn seems to be headed.
Within the Candy 16, Connecticut defeated San Diego State, 82-52, in a rematch of the 2023 nationwide finals. By way of three event video games, the Huskies have gained by practically 29 factors per recreation, a median rating of 82.7-54.
Duke
Final Ultimate 4: 2022
The Blue Devils are within the Elite Eight for the fourth time since successful their final nationwide title in 2016. They went 1-2 over their first three appearances in that area, successful their most up-to-date regional last in 2022 (former head coach Mike Krzyzewski’s last season). 4 gamers stay from that squad, however solely senior guard Jeremy Roach receives substantial taking part in time. He is second on the staff in scoring, averaging 14 factors per recreation.
Illinois
Final Ultimate 4: 2005
Illinois has made it to the Elite Eight for simply the third time this century. The final time it did, in 2005, the Illini rolled all the best way to the nationwide championship recreation. This 12 months will probably be barely more difficult with UConn looming within the regional finals. However the Preventing Illini have measurement within the entrance court docket with Coleman Hawkins, a 6-foot-10 stretch large who’s hitting on 37.9% of his threes, which might permit them to match-up properly with Huskies heart Donovan Clingan.
NC State
Final Ultimate 4: 1983
The Wolfpack are the closest factor to a Cinderella left within the area. An 11-seed getting into the tourney, NC State has gained eight in a row after starting the ACC Match on a four-game shedding streak. With a win over Duke, this system would head to its first Ultimate 4 since successful the event in 1983.
Heart DJ Burns and guard DJ Horne have been glorious through the staff’s present run. Within the Candy 16 towards Marquette, Horne hit 4 threes, enhancing his season common to 41.1% from deep. Burns was quiet towards Marquette however is averaging 14.7 factors per recreation whereas taking pictures 66.7% from the sphere.
Purdue
Final Ultimate 4: 1980
Purdue obtained one step nearer to redemption with an emphatic 80-68 win over Gonzaga within the Candy 16. One 12 months after turning into the second 1-seed in event historical past to lose within the first spherical, Purdue is a win away from its first Ultimate 4 in 44 years. This system has by no means gained a nationwide title.
Heart Zach Edey is in line to win his second consecutive Related Press Nationwide Participant of the 12 months award and has been dominant in by means of the primary three rounds of the event, the place he is averaging 26.7 factors, 11 rebounds and two blocks. The Boilermakers aren’t strictly confined to Edey’s manufacturing. They’re additionally the perfect three-point taking pictures staff within the nation, making 41% of their makes an attempt.
Alabama / Clemson / Tennessee
Final Ultimate 4: N/A
The winner of Alabama-Clemson is assured its first Ultimate 4 in program historical past whereas Tennessee should get previous Purdue to make its first. Alabama, like Purdue, is attempting to complete what it began final 12 months when it entered the 2023 NCAA Match because the No. 1 total seed however misplaced within the Candy 16.
In the meantime, Clemson was a well-liked decide to lose within the first spherical of this 12 months’s event to New Mexico after falling to Boston School by 21 within the ACC Match. As an alternative, it has been part of the ACC’s revenge tour with three of the ultimate eight groups within the area.
The Vols are led by their protection, which ranks third in adjusted defensive effectivity and fifth in efficient area aim proportion allowed, per KenPom. SEC Participant of the 12 months Dalton Knecht is averaging 22.3 factors per recreation within the event, together with a game-high 26 factors towards Creighton within the Candy 16.