FiveThirtyEight logs prediction for Final Four games

FiveThirtyEight has logged its predictions for Saturday’s Final Four showdowns. As Villanova and Kansas begin the day, North Carolina and Duke will be the main event on a Saturday that could be remembered for years to come.

First, FiveThirtyEight is giving Kansas a 69% chance to defeat Villanova. Additionally, the Jayhawks have the best chance to win the entire tournament, as FiveThirtyEight gives Kansas a 41% chance to stand tall as the confetti falls. On the other hand, Villanova has just a 31% chance to win on Saturday, and a 13% chance to win the championship.

As for the nightcap, Duke has a 62% chance to keep Mike Kzyzewski’s career alive against North Carolina. Moreover, the Blue Devils are being given a 31% chance to end Coach K’s career with a championship by FiveThirtyEight. As for North Carolina, the Tar Heels are being given a 38% chance to keep their run going, and only a 15% chance to hoist the trophy at the end of it all.

FiveThirtyEight believes it’ll be a Kansas-Duke championship game on Monday. They’re giving the Jayhawks the best chance to win the entire tournament, followed by the Blue Devils, Tar Heels and Wildcats, in that order.

Still, percentages don’t put the basketball through the basket. Time will tell if FiveThirtyEight is correct with their predictions, or if North Carolina and Villanova can upset Duke and Kansas.

Mike Krzyzewski reveals how Duke is handling emotions of Final Four run

This run in the NCAA Tournament has been special for the Duke Blue Devils. Longtime Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski’s coaching career will come to an end following the conclusion of this season, adding to the emotions and pressures of making it to the Final Four. Additionally, the Blue Devils face off against North Carolina in the Final Four, adding even more emotion to college basketball’s biggest stage.

Since becoming Duke’s head coach, Krzyzewski has led the Blue Devils to five national titles and 13 appearances in the Final Four, including this season. But when it comes to balancing the pressure and emotions of this year’s run, Krzyzewski said that it’s tough to do. Each of the four remaining teams have viable shots at winning a title, and Krzyzewski knows that it will be a tough road to his sixth title.

“No, I don’t think there’s much of a balance,” Krzyzewski said. “I think that’s part of the experience. These guys are competitors. They’ve won over 30 games and regular season champion. To think about all four teams here, all four teams are championship teams. They’ve won their region.”