This year’s March Madness has been everything but predictable. Illinois, the tournament favorite, was upset in the second round and #2 seeded Ohio State lost in the first round. Although my bracket was busted on the first day of the tournament, it has still been very enjoyable to watch. I have been anticipating this tournament since it was cancelled due to COVID-19 last year. Only half of the teams that I predicted to be in the final four made it, but my championship prediction was Baylor vs Gonzaga.
Both Baylor and Gonzaga have looked like strong and determined teams throughout the tournament. Baylor has had a relatively difficult ride to the championship game, but they still won all their games by 9+ points. Meanwhile, Gonzaga was coasting through the tournament and demolishing anyone they played against, until UCLA gave them a run for their money in the Final Four. Gonzaga survived the upset via a halfcourt heave to win the game in overtime and sent #11 seeded UCLA home.
This championship game has several storylines to follow before the game even starts. Gonzaga could be the first team since the 1976 Indiana Hoosiers to end the season completely undefeated with a national championship. Additionally, Baylor is in their first national championship game since 1948. Both of these teams could make history for their programs tonight, as Baylor and Gonzaga have never won a national championship to date.
Although Gonzaga is favored by 4.5 points, I think Baylor has more than a slim chance to win this game. Baylor looked like a world class team during their blowout win over #2 seeded Houston in the Final Four. Additionally, Baylor has been more battle tested throughout the regular season and the tournament, which gives them a slight edge when time is running out in the game. Although Gonzaga has looked like an unstoppable force throughout their undefeated run, I like Baylor’s chance at upsetting the Zags tonight. While Baylor has looked sloppy on offense at times throughout their tournament run, their defense has been consistently good. Despite the old saying “Defense wins championships” not being relevant much in football, I think it still applies to basketball. Baylor has the 3rd most steals per game out of all 64 tournament teams, which is an impressive defensive statistic. Gonzaga has looked like a powerhouse with their star players, Jalen Suggs and Drew Timme, being seemingly unstoppable. However, I think Baylor’s star guards, Davion Mitchell and Jarod Butler, will be able to put up points and play some hard defense to squeak out the victory.