Final Four Preview

With Final Four weekend upon us, let's take a dive into what could be the most historic finish in college basketball history.

Saturday will be just the second ever time there have been four No. 1 seeds to finish the tournament, the first coming in 2008. Along with that, the four teams historically all rank in the top 10 of all time when it comes to teams in the KenPom era. All of the teams currently rank top 10 in defensive and offensive rating as well. Four teams that have dominated all season, and have now proven why they are the best of college basketball.

Duke vs. Houston

When it comes to this matchup, we have the No. 1 offense in Duke, facing off against the No.1 defense in Houston. Truly a battle of the best as both teams have looked dominant in their tournament run. The Blue Devils rely heavily on their freshman stars of Flagg, Knueppel, and Maluach. The opposite with the Cougars as they rely on their veterans of Cryer, Roberts, and Sharp.

While Houston holds the best defense in the country, Duke is no slouch as they rank fifth in defensive rating themselves. This would bring many to believe this will be more of a defensive battle as both squads rely on energy and forcing turnovers. The Cougars will certainly have their hands full with star Cooper Flagg, as he has proven this tournament he is the guy. His ability to score and facilitate is next level for Duke, which is why Houston will have to up the game plan extra for the young star. When it's not Flagg, you can expect Kon Knueppel and Tyrese Proctor to lead the way on offense. The Cougars will have their hands full with those three especially. Flipping sides, the Cougars are big on guard play themselves as LJ Cryer and Milos Uzan have been leading the way offensively. They also look to the inside post with J'Wan Roberts, who will be met with size when it comes to Duke. Both squads shoot especially efficient from beyond the arc, which will lead to an interesting battle on offense. Both also pass the ball very well and play unselfish basketball. Coached by two good coaches in Jon Sheyer and Kelvin Sampson, the two powerhouses will play disciplined, tough basketball.

Note: Houston is allowing 56.5 points per game this tournament, Duke is scoring 91.8 points per game, Houston on 17 game win streak, Duke 15 games

Top Guys: Cooper Flagg (18.9 Pts, 7.5 Reb, 4.2 Ast), LJ Cryer (15.4 Pts, 2.3 Reb, 2.0 Ast)

X-Factors: Tyrese Proctor (12.5 Pts, 3.1 Reb, 2.2 Ast), Milos Uzan (11.6 Pts, 3.0 Reb, 4.4 Ast)

Florida vs. Auburn

These two SEC schools will meet for second time this season, the first ending in a 90-81 Florida victory. Both teams with heavy veteran leadership guiding them through the tournament, and a pair of top offenses. They have both seen some close battles throughout the tournament where they have leaned on their star players to step up. Broome and Clayton Jr. have been two of the best players all season, and certainly in the tournament. Whoever can play better defense, could potentially come out victorious.

With the No. 2 and No. 3 offense in the nation, the game will likely be a battle of scoring. Both teams see a big role on the interior as size is big for both squads. Alex Condon will have his hands full with one of the best in Johni Broome. Guard play will ultimately be the difference in the game as Walter Clayton Jr. and Alijah Martin will have to lead the way again for the Gators. Tahaad Pettiford has stepped up immensely for the Tigers this tournament, and could be the key for them in the end. Veteran guys like Miles Kelly and Denver Jones will have to show their teeth in this game in order for Auburn to be successful. While both teams have been playing better defense, the Tigers could slightly have the edge in that department. Again, two great coaches at the helm in this game, with two evenly matched teams.

Note: Auburn allowing 65.8 points per game this tournament, Florida scoring 85.8 points per game

The Guys: Walter Clayton Jr. (18.1 Pts, 3.6 Reb, 4.2 Ast), Johni Broome (18.7 Pts, 10.9 Reb, 2.9 Ast)

X-Factors: Will Richard (13.3 Pts, 4.4 Reb, 1.9 Ast), Denver Jones (10.9 Pts, 2.0 Reb, 2.6 Ast)

Two fantastic matchups. Four fantastic teams. Who will come out on top?