Predictions for the Final Four: Villanova vs. Kansas 4/2/22

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2022 NCAA tournament bracket for March Madness, through March 27

5:09- TBS

#2 Villanova 30-7 vs. #1 Kansas 32-6 (-4.5) in New Orleans:

This should be a fantastic game between two of the best teams in the country. They both were champions of outstanding conferences and have been very consistent all year long. There’s not much to choose from between them. Let’s look at some stats:

Points per game: Kansas 78.6 Villanova 72.6
Rebounds per game: Kansas 37.4 Villanova 34.9
Turnovers per game: Villanova 10 Kansas 12.5
Field goal percentage: Kansas 48.1% Villanova 43.7%
Free throw percentage: Villanova 82.3% Kansas 72.4%
Three pointers made: Villanova 307 (35.7%) Kansas 243 (35.5%)
Record against NCAA tournament teams: Kansas 9-5 Villanova 9-7
Points allowed per game: Villanova 62.2 Kansas 67.3
Rebounds for opponents: Kansas 32.6 Villanova 32.6
Opponents FG%: Villanova 40.9% Kansas 41%
Opponents 3-PT FG%: Kansas 30% Villanova 30%

Analysis:

This is obviously a toss-up game between these two teams. It could very well come down to the last possession. Both teams have tons of tournament experience so that won’t be a factor. Both coaches have been down this road numerous times and have national championships on their resume’. Playing in New Orleans shouldn’t matter much although one would expect the Jayhawks to travel better. So, it will come down to who shoots the ball the best, and in reality, that is what it usually comes down too. The Jayhawks have a better overall shooting percentage, but they don’t rely on the 3-ball as much as Villanova does. Statistically, the Wildcats play better defense than KU, but the Jayhawks play at a faster pace than Nova, therefore they give up a few more points per game. If the game comes down to free throws, no one is better than Villanova and that might be the difference. I’m going to go with Villanova to beat the spread and I’m taking them to win a hard-fought, physical classic. PAPA DUDES PICK: Villanova +4.5