March Madness 2019: The Oracle Looks Into Its Crystal Ball
Tennessee Volunteers
Tennessee is the top-ranked team in the Southeastern Conference at the moment with a 25-3 record. Spearheaded by the dynamic duo of guard Ad miral Schofield and forward Grant Williams, averaging 16.9 and 19.0 points per game respectively, Tennessee has been a force to be reckoned with this season. The team averages an astounding 83.6 points per game, and with their only three losses in the season coming from top-15 teams in Kansas, Kentucky and Lousiana State, the Volunteers have much to look forward to this month.
Gonzaga Bulldogs
Gonzaga, which statistically has the best offense in the nation, is sure to light up the March Madness tournament. Led by the versatile forward Rui Hachimura, who averages 20.5 points per game, Gonzaga has not faced many opponents that have been able to handle their high-scoring offense. Losses to the superb Kansas and Tennessee squads seem inconsequential compared to what Gonzaga has in store for the future. If the Bulldogs can put up big numbers consistently during the tournament like they have in the regular season, they are sure to streak to the Final Four.
Kentucky Wildcats
Kentucky Wildcats The Wildcats have been on an emotional rollercoaster this season, losing crucial games while winning others. A tough blowout-loss to Duke at the beginning of the season seemed to knock Kentucky down the rankings, but the Wildcats have resurrected themselves with a vengeance. Driven by sophomore for- ward P.J. Washington, who averages 15.0 points per game, Kentucky has proven their ability to take down top-tier teams consistently. With an experienced coach in John Calipari, who has taken the Wildcats to multiple Final Four appearances, Kentucky seems like they’re looking forward to success.
Michigan Wolverines
After a bitter loss in the final championship round in 2018, Michigan has come back even stronger with hopes to avoid suffering another devastating defeat. Led by freshman forward Iggy Brazdeikis, who is averaging 14.4 points per game, Michi- gan has found a winning rhythm this season, boasting a 24-4 record. Defense has been Michigan’s forte for the past couple of years under head coach John Beilein; the Wolverines are currently third in the nation in scoring defense, hold- ing opponents to a stingy 58.4 points per game. Additionally, valuable veteran experience in senior forward Charles Matthews and junior guard Zavier Simpson makes Michigan a solid pick for this year’s Final Four.
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