Kansas pulled off the biggest comeback in national championship history against North Carolina for a 72-69 victory in the Superdome.
Kansas tops North Carolina 72-69 to win national title — College Basketball | NBC Sports
National Championship Game
North Carolina vs Kansas
Monday, April 4, 2022:
Wow, what a game between North Carolina and Duke on Saturday night! The two rivals, merely miles apart, have been involved in a number of classic matchups, however, those were relegated to regular season and ACC Tournament games. This was the first time the giants had met in the NCAA tournament, and the game did not disappoint! The 2021-2022 Tar Heels will go down as the squad that spoiled legendary Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski’s last home game at venerable Cameron Indoor Stadium, as well as put him into retirement permanently.
Success for the Tar Heels in the title game will depend on the availability and effectiveness of big man Armando Bacot, who is nursing an ankle injury. Bacot dominated Duke inside to the tune of 11 points and a whopping 21 rebounds. He combines with Brady Manek to gives teams fits up front. The outside game comes primarily in the form of Caleb Love, who is turning himself into a big game legend by hitting huge shots. Don’t sleep on guard RJ Davis, either.
Meanwhile, the beat goes on for the Kansas Jayhawks, who looked unstoppable on Saturday against Villanova. Bill Self’s club runs and spaces the floor as well as anyone in the country and could provide problems for UNC’s transition defense. The Jayhawks feature the tough backcourt of Ochai Agbaji, Christian Braun, and Remy Martin, while Jalen Wilson, David McCormack, and Mitch Lightfoot make up a formidable frontcourt.
On paper, I’d say that Kansas is the better team. However, I have said that about Baylor, UCLA, and Duke, as well; teams that share the distinction of having been sent packing by the Tar Heels. I’m liking another nail biter in this one, only this time I’m picking Cinderella.
North Carolina over Kansas
UConn’s Final Four streak faced one of its toughest tests, but the Huskies escaped with the win.
UConn reaches 14th straight Final Four, tops NC State in 2OT — College Basketball | NBC Sports
Saturday, March 26, 2022:
Elite Eight:
South Regional:
#5 Houston over #2 Villanova
Villanova’s Jay Wright is battle tested, however, I absolutely love the way this Houston team defends. I’m looking for the Cougars to move on to their second consecutive Final Four.
West Regional:
#2 Duke over #4 Arkansas
I can’t get enough of Arkansas coach Eric Musselman’s giddy postgame interviews following a tournament win, however, I believe the Blue Devils are destined to get to the Final Fours in Coach K’s final attempt.
March 25, 2022:
Sweet Sixteen:
East Regional:
#3 Purdue over #15 St. Peters
The Peacocks have had an incredible run and deserve much respect.
#8 North Carolina over #4 UCLA
I love the Tar Hells’ grit following their near collapse against Baylor last weekend.
Midwest Regional:
#1 Kansas over #4 Providence
I have not given the Friars any due this entire tournament. I have to hand it to them for proving me wrong. That said, I’m taking Kansas.
# 11 Iowa State over #10 Miami (Fla)
Ah, the classic 11 vs. 10 matchup. Actually, the potential for two lower seeds to be playing this deep is what makes this tournament so special.
March 24, 2022:
Sweet Sixteen:
West Regional:
#1 Gonzaga over #4 Arkansas
The Zags are simply too strong.
#3 Texas Tech over #2 Duke
Coach K’s illustrious career comes to a close.
South Regional:
#2 Villanova over #11 Michigan
The Wolverines had a mini-renaissance in this NCAA tourney. The Wildcats are in no mood for a Cinderella.
#5 Houston over #1 Arizona
I love the Cougars’ balanced scoring and swarming defense.
North Carolina’s players locked arms and kicked in unison as the band played the school fight song in an otherwise-deflated McKale Center. The kick line broke apart, turning in a mosh pit of dancing, the small contingent of fans in power blue roaring in approval.
North Carolina women rout Arizona 63-45 to reach Sweet 16 — College Basketball | NBC Sports
Mike Krzyzewski’s college basketball career isn’t done yet, with Duke booking a ticket to the Sweet 16 after taking down Tom Izzo and Michigan State in the second round.
Coach K’s last ride continues as Duke closes out Spartans — College Basketball | NBC Sports
Friday, March 18, 2022:
If you picked St. Peter’s over Kentucky last night, I humbly bow before you.
I went 9-7 yesterday. I hope to be much better today!
South Region:
#10 Loyola Chicago over #7 Ohio State
#2 Villanova over #15 Delaware
#4 Illinois over #13 Chattanooga
#1 Arizona over #16 Wright State
#5 Houston over #12 UAB
#9 TCU over #8 Seton Hall
Midwest Region:
#2 Auburn over #15 Jacksonville State
#7 USC over #10 Miami (Fla)
#11 Iowa State over #6 LSU
#14 Colgate over #3 Wisconsin
West Regional:
#3 Texas Tech over #14 Montana State
#11 Notre Dame over #6 Alabama
#2 Duke over #15 CSU Fullerton
#7 Michigan State over #10 Davidson
East Regional:
#3 Purdue over #14 Yale
#11 Virginia Tech over #6 Texas
Thursday, March 17, 2022:
South Region:
#11 Michigan over #6 Colorado State
#3 Tennessee over #14 Longwood
Midwest Region:
#13 South Dakota State over #4 Providence
#5 Iowa over #12 Richmond
#9 Creighton over #8 San Diego State
#1 Kansas over #16 Texas Southern
West Region:
#9 Memphis over #8 Boise State
#1 Gonzaga over #16 Georgia State
#5 Connecticut over #12 New Mexico State
#13 Vermont over #4 Arkansas
East Region:
#1 Baylor over #16 Norfolk State
#8 North Carolina over #9 Marquette
#2 Kentucky over #15 St. Peter’s
#12 Indiana over #5 St. Mary’s
#7 Murray State over #10 San Francisco
#4 UCLA over #13 Akron
Whipped Owl 