Michigan 69 Loyola-Chicago 57
Created by Culture. #OnwardLU pic.twitter.com/Pf9SnwoGL8
— Loyola Basketball (@RamblersMBB) April 1, 2018
Moritz (Moe) Wagner was the force behind the scoring attack of the Michigan Wolverines as the Forward became the first player since Akeem Olajuwon (1983) to score more than 20 points and pulling down more 15 rebounds in a Final Four game. Wagner had 11 points and 11 Rebounds in the first half alone on his way to finishing with 24 points ,15 boards and 3 steals.The Junior also knocked down 3 shots from beyond the three point line helping the team from Ann Arbor overcome a 7 point halftime deficit. Wagner was a major part of Michigan’s 38 to 16 run in the second half that turned things around for the Blue and Gold who picked up their thirty-second win of the season (32-7). The only other player to score in double figures for Michigan was Charles Matthews who finished with 17 points.
What a night from @moritz_weasley. 〽?#GoBlue | #FinalFour pic.twitter.com/tsvH8yCs1K
— Michigan Men’s Basketball (@umichbball) April 1, 2018
The Ramblers of Loyola-Chicago saw their magical season come to an end as they lost for the first time this season after leading a game at halfitme. The team from Chi-town was powered with a balanced attack led by freshman Cameron Krutwig (17 points), Clayton Custer (15 points) and Aundre Jackson with his 10 points. The Trio was out done by the Wolverines who outscored the Ramblers in the second half 47 to 28. Chicago – Loyola finishes with a school record 32 wins against only 5 losses and the Wolverines are now moving on to play for their first NCAA National Title since 1989.
“It’s incredible. I’m really, really enjoying this ride… we have one more to go.” – Moritz Wagner (24 PTS, 14 REB) on @umichbball advancing to the #NationalChampionship#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/aSIpLGUemk
— NCAA March Madness (@marchmadness) April 1, 2018
Villanova 95 Kansas 79
?: Game photos! #FinalFour#LetsMarchNova pic.twitter.com/CNFvnABJ0J
— Villanova MBB (@NovaMBB) April 1, 2018
In the second semi-final game of the night Villanova (35-4) rolled past Kansas (31-8) by 18 Points (97-79) powered by a tournament semi-final record of 18 three pointers ,13 of which they had knocked down by halftime. Speaking of halftime the Wildcats went into the locker room with a 15 point cushion (47-32). In the start of the second half the Jayhawks looked as though they would make things interesting keeping pace with Villanova scoring 47 points, but Head Coach Jay Wright’s Wildcats scored 48 points and never lost control of the contest. Kansas was lead by point guard Donte Graham with his 23 points, Malik Newman also tried to help kocking down 21 points. Villanova had six men scoring in double figures as Eric Paschall lead the way with 24 points on 10 of 11 shooting from the floor.
?: Hear what @VUCoachJWright had to say after last night’s 95-79 WIN over Kansas in the Final Four! #LetsMarchNova #NovaNationAllAccess / @keybank pic.twitter.com/9fHW1tSjyu
— Villanova MBB (@NovaMBB) April 1, 2018
The NCAA National Championship game will look like the BigEast/BigTen challenge as Villanova (Back in the Title game for the second time in three years) takes on Michigan in the Alamodome in San Antonio,Texas.
Trevin A Jones (UMT Sports)