Two unbelievable games took center stage in the College basketball world as the city of Atlanta took part in two classic Final Four games.
First off 9 seeded Wichita State took on 1 seeded Louisville as the Shockers looked ready to shock the College basketball world looking to accomplish what Butler did a couple years back. The Shockers went into this game not looking intimidated as they already beat 1 seeded Gonzaga and 2 seeded Ohio State to get to this Final Four. Wichita State went into halftime with a 26-25 lead over the favorite Louisville. Wichita State led by many as 12 points with 13 minutes to go, but Rick Pitino's Louisville team was ready to put on a big run, and they did just that. Louisville took a 56-55 lead in the second half with huge threes by Luke Hancock as this game was ready to go down to the wire. With 2:09 to go, once again it was Hancock that made a huge three and Louisville took a 65-60 lead. With the game coming down to the final seconds, Wichita State was down 70-68 as Luke Hancock went to the line with eight seconds left. Hancock made 1 of 2 as Wichita State's Ryan Baker looked to have the rebound with 6 seconds left as the game could have come down to one last shot, but it was a jump ball call and the possession arrow favorited Louisville. Russ Smith then hit a big free throw to ice the game, who missed his first four free throws earlier in the game as Louisville clinches a spot in the National Championship game with a 72-68 win over Wichita State in a thrilling game. Luke Hancock was the player of the game for Louisville who had 20 points and went 3-5 from three. Cleanthony Early had 24 points for Wichita State.
The second game was no sleeper either as Michigan and Syracuse battled it out for the final spot in the National Championship game. This was the first time ever two 4 seeds played in NCAA Tournament history. This game was highlighted by the start point guards, Trey Burke going up against Michael Carter Williams. Michigan came out firing as Trey Burke, Mitch McGary, and Tim Hardaway Jr. were explosive as the Wolverines took a 36-25 lead into the half as Syracuse couldn't get anything going from Michael Carter Williams and Michigan kept attacking Syracuse's 2-3 zone. The second half was different as C.J. Fair was impressive scoring 22 points for the Orange as Syracuse kept climbing back into the game. Michigan led 57-53 in the final 50 seconds as Mitch McGary went to the line but McGary missed three huge free throws, then James Southerland made a critical three point shot to get the game within one. Trey Burke went to the line with 28 seconds left, only making one as Michigan led 58-56. With 19 seconds left, Brandon Triche drove to the basket, but was called for a questionable charge in what looked to be a block on Michigan. Syracuse still had a chance to win as Michigan led 59-56 with 15 seconds left. Trevor Cooney missed a three for Syracuse with 6 seconds left as Michigan prevailed 61-56. Mitch McGary was the player of the game for Michigan with 10 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists. C.J. Fair led Syracuse with 22 points.
So, the National Championship game is set as the College basketball season is coming to an end in Atlanta. It will be Louisville vs Michigan, the best defensive team against the best offensive team as we're set for a great one to conclude this year's NCAA Tournament. We've had two great Final Four game tonight and there would be no better way to end this College basketball season with a fantastic finish between Louisville and Michigan. A National Championship will be crowned on Monday Night, tune in to CBS at 8:30 CT.
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