Staff Predictions for the NCAA men’s basketball National Championship game.
Meredith Spelbring
Meredith Spelbring— Villanova vs. Michigan; Villanova
As much as I would love to see the Ramblers in the championship game or even win the title, every Cinderella story must come to an end. Michigan will face Villanova in the championship, where Nova will take home the title (and maybe save my bracket). Villanova beats the Wolverines 88-83.
Chris Deremer
Chris Deremer— Kansas vs. Loyola-Chicago; Kansas
I’m tired of doing analytics because this tournament has proved that it doesn’t matter. Both teams have been predicted to lose time after time again so why not them both make the championship? Last time Bill Self played in a Final Four in San Antonio it ended in an instant classic victory, and it’s going to happen again. Kansas beats Loyola-Chicago 77-70.
Brandon Hill
Brandon Hill— Loyola-Chicago vs. Villanova; Loyola-Chicago
Loyola-Chicago and Villanova will meet in the championship, with the Ramblers taking home the title. Only heavenly forces could have propelled this team this far, so Sister Jean must be doing something right.
Colton Clark
Colton Clark— Villanova vs. Michigan; Michigan
We all know the B1G has routinely stumbled in recent NCAA Tournament history, but what if? March has been overwhelmed by “what ifs,” coming to fruition. Michigan beats Villanova 81-80.
Jonah Baker
Jonah Baker— Kansas vs. Michigan; Kansas
If there’s one team that can match the roll that Loyola-Chicago is on, it is Big 10 champions Michigan. The Wolverines will face Kansas in the final, and the Jayhawks will outclass a Michigan team that has faced a historically weak road to the Final Four and a potential championship game. Kansas beats Michigan 88-74.
Clay McKinley
Clay McKinley— Villanova vs. Loyola-Chicago; Loyola-Chicago
The championship game will be Loyola against Villanova. While the Ramblers have looked next to unstoppable throughout the tournament, Villanova has looked like the most complete team in college basketball all season. Loyola over Villanova in the championship game 78-75.
Zack Kellogg
Zack Kellogg— Kansas vs. Michigan; Kansas
The Michigan Wolverines will put an end to the Cinderella story for Loyola and advance to face the Kansas Jayhawks, who will win a hard fought game against Villanova. Kansas will beat Michigan by a score of 78-74, and will win their first national championship since 2008.