Final Four 2024 Schedule: TV Info and Updated Bracket for NCAA Men's Showdowns
The Connecticut Huskies and Purdue Boilermakers appear to be on a collision course to meet in the NCAA men's basketball tournament championship game.
UConn and Purdue were the two most dominant teams over the first two weekends of March Madness, and a strong argument can be made that they would make up the best title game among the Final Four participants.
The Alabama Crimson Tide stand in the way of UConn's repeat championship-game appearance.
The NC State Wolfpack will try to become the first team to slow down Zach Edey in their showdown with Purdue.
UConn and Purdue are overwhelming favorites. A win by either Alabama or NC State would be viewed as a stunning result given how the last few weeks played out.
NC State vs. Purdue
Saturday, 6:09 p.m. ET, TBS
NC State and Purdue open the action inside State Farm Stadium on Saturday night.
The Boilermakers plowed through their first four NCAA tournament opponents. They have two losses dating back to January 13.
Purdue has an advantage any time it takes the floor thanks to Edey's presence around the basket.
NC State will try to test that edge with DJ Burns Jr., who can bother Edey with his width to make up for the height disadvantage.
The Wolfpack looked like a completely different team during their nine-game winning streak than the unit that lost seven of its last nine games.
NC State's guards can attempt to match Purdue's production on the perimeter, but if it can't slow down Edey, it may not have a chance to extend its miracle run.
Edey is averaging 30.0 points and 16.3 rebounds per game in the NCAA tournament. He is on a 14-game streak with at least 20 points.
Alabama vs. UConn
Saturday, 8:49 p.m. ET, TBS
UConn turned in four of the most complete performances you will ever see in the NCAA tournament to reach the Final Four.
The Huskies won all four contests by double digits and took three of those victories by 25 or more points.
Danny Hurley's team slowed down an explosive offensive in Illinois in the Elite Eight, which leads some to believe that handling Alabama's offense will not be an issue.
Alabama has a distinct fast-paced style in which it either shoots three-pointers or two-point shots close to the rim.
The latter part of that strategy could be significantly hampered by Donovan Clingan's presence in the paint.
Alabama could certainly shoot a high percentage from three-point range and stun UConn, but the Huskies defense has been excellent throughout the run to the Final Four.
UConn held all four of its opponents under 60 points, and it has allowed a foe to go over 60 points once in its last eight games.