Did the Big Ten live up to predictions at the Final Four?
· Yahoo Sports
The Michigan Wolverines took care of business versus a worthy opponent at the Final Four, just as they have all tournament long. The Illinois Fighting Illini could not buy a bucket, and this time it cost them against a really good UConn Huskies team. Michigan heads into the title game Monday with all the confidence in the world, while Illinois' dream season comes to an end. Here is a review of my bold predictions for the Final Four matchups featuring Big Ten teams:
Illinois will have it going beyond the arc
"Their last game was an anomaly as they shot 17.6% from 3 vs Iowa. However, they still were able to win that game off of being dominant in other categories, but for them to knock off UConn, I think they will need to get back to their bread and butter. I expect the Fighting Illini to shoot over 40% from 3 in this game, and that will be a big factor for them pulling out the victory"
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UConn made more shots in this game than Illinois, which was the big deciding factor. UConn did not shoot 40% from 3, but they made shots when it mattered, and they kept the lead because of it. Illinois could not chip away at the lead and take control of the game because it shot 23% from 3.
Illinois' bench will outperform UConn's
"Andrej Stojakovic has been huge off the bench for Illinois, and when he is effective, Illinois's chances to win are much greater. He had 17 vs Iowa and 21 vs VCU off the bench. I expect him to lead the Fighting Illini with a 20-point game off the bench and to knock down a couple of triples. The bench for the Huskies is not their strongest point, as they are very reliant on getting great showings from their starters, including big man Tarris Reed Jr. and Alex Karaban. The Fighting Illini will have an edge in bench scoring in this match; they will need to take advantage of that. Zvonimir Ivisic will have to show up as well for Illinois."
Andrej Stojakovic and the Fighting Illini bench did have the better scoring output, but it was just by 2 points, and it did not make much of an impact on the game. The Huskies' starting unit was way too dominant and in control of this game.
Keaton Wagler will have 25+ points
"It is Final 4 time, more than ever, your stars have to show up. Last game, Keaton Wagler was special with his team-high 25 points. He was the best guy on the court, and in this game, he will have to do that again. At the bare minimum, he will need to post 25 points, and he is more than capable of that. He is growing as a playmaker, so tapping more into that, along with a big scoring day, will take his team a long way."
Keaton Wagler dropped 20 points, but his shooting efficiency from beyond the arc played into the theme that Illinois could not buy a bucket. UConn, on the other hand, was way more efficient. Wagler still put forth a good effort, and he had the most points this game, but it just did not lead to a victory as I expected.
Michigan's defense will be the biggest X-factor
"The Wolverines have won four straight tournament games by double digits. This is a dominant squad, and their defense has led the way in this dominant tournament run. The Wolverines completely stifled Tennessee in the last game, and this matchup vs Arizona will be as even a matchup as they have faced just yet. Both squads were title favorites heading into the start of March Madness. I think Michigan has the advantage with how good their defense is, and they will win this game off the backs of that unit again."
Michigan's defense, for another game, stunned its opponent. Arizona was just as dominant all postseason long, and versus Michigan, they looked like a completely different team. Michigan posted up an impressive 7 steals and 3 blocks on the night.
Aday Mara will be the MVP vs Arizona
"I think Yaxel Lendeborg will have the best scoring performance in this matchup for Michigan, but Aday Mara will end up being the MVP. His presence in the paint and as a defender can change this game. The Wildcats were able to impose their will on Purdue, getting in the paint and winning the rebound battle. Mara will have to be the enforcer he has been all season long, and if he can give Michigan at least 10 points in this game, too, Michigan takes care of business. I see Mara having 10 points, over 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks."
As I expected, the star of the game was Michigan big man Aday Mara. Mara went above my prediction, though, as he had 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks. He dominated the Wildcats on both ends of the floor.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Big Ten Final Four verdict is mixed as Illinois falls to UConn