Elite Eight produces Final Four

The Elite Eight stage of March Madness has closed for the 2014/2015 season and we now look ahead to the Final Four. There was little in the way of surprises in terms of who won, with three number one seeds from their respective groups finding their way to the Final Four. However, there were plenty of talking points as Kentucky, Wisconsin, Michigan State, and Duke all punched their tickets to the Final Four.

Midwest: Kentucky vs. Notre Dame, 68-66

March Madness favourites Kentucky came through its trickiest encounter yet through Elite Eight, the number 1 seed edged number 3 seed Notre Dame to progress. It was the sternest test of Kentucky’s NCAA title credentials, but the fact is the Wildcats remain unbeaten (40-0) and on course for a tournament win that has destiny written all over it. The Irish kept pace with Kentucky throughout, but ultimately fell to two free throws from Andrew Harrison with seconds to play.

West: Wisconsin vs. Arizona, 85-78

Wisconsin  will meet Kentucky in the Final Four after dealing with Arizona in the Elite Eight regional final. The Badgers pulled in the victory on the back of hot three point shooting in the second half, including five from beyond the arc courtesy of Sam Dekker. Arizona drew to within five points twice in the last act, but Dekker kept draining on his way to a career high of 27 points. Dekker is warming into March Madness and will be a clear threat to Kentucky in the next round.

East: Michigan State vs. Louisville, 76-70

Michigan State was the only team to beat a higher seeded opponent during Elite Eight, just as the school had done similar in Sweet Sixteen. The number 7 seed is warming into its underdog status nicely and is the lowest rank remaining in the competition. Third seed Louisville fell to the Spartans as the teams headed to over time after tying the scoreboard 65 apiece through regulation. In the added frame Michigan found space at the perimeter and downed the Cardinals with an 11-5 run.

South: Duke vs. Gonzaga, 66-52

Duke enjoyed the biggest winning margin of the last eight stage with a solid double digit win over Gonzaga. The Blue Devils maintained a solid offence throughout the game and managed to stop Gonzaga in defence. The Bulldogs drained 26 points in both halves, but Duke simply outscored and looked slicker at the bucket and will now head to a Final Four game against Michigan State.