The 2024 men’s NCAA Tournament has reached its Final Four, with NC State facing Purdue in the first game and UConn taking on Alabama in the second game. The NC State Wolfpack, known for their underdog status as an 11-seed, will take on the powerhouse No. 1-seed Purdue Boilermakers in a matchup of contrasting styles. NC State will rely on big man DJ Burns Jr. and guard DJ Horne, while Purdue will showcase center Zach Edey and guard Braden Smith. UConn, the tournament’s overall top seed, will look to continue their dominant run against a high-scoring Alabama team that is making its first Final Four appearance.
The Final Four games will be held in Glendale, Arizona and broadcasted on TBS. NC State is seeking their first Final Four appearance since 1983, while Purdue last reached this stage in 1980. UConn, aiming to become the first team since the 2007 Florida Gators to win consecutive NCAA Tournaments, will face off against Alabama, who has never been to the Final Four before. The winners of each game will advance to the National Championship Game on Monday, April 8 at 9:20 p.m.
The NC State-Purdue matchup is not only a clash between an underdog and a top seed, but also a battle of differing playing styles. The Wolfpack’s bruising big man DJ Burns Jr. will go up against the skyscraping Purdue center Zach Edey, while the guard matchup between NC State’s DJ Horne and Purdue’s Braden Smith will be key in determining the outcome of the game. In the second game, UConn’s stifling defense will be tested by Alabama’s high-powered offense, setting the stage for an exciting Final Four showdown.
UConn, led by coach Geno Auriemma, has been dominant throughout the tournament, highlighted by a 30-0 run in their Elite Eight victory over Illinois. Alabama, coached by Nate Oats, has relied on their scoring prowess to secure wins over tough opponents like North Carolina and Clemson. The Crimson Tide will look to continue their offensive firepower against UConn’s stout defense in what promises to be a thrilling Final Four matchup.
With the 2024 men’s NCAA Tournament reaching its Final Four stage, the spotlight is on these four teams as they vie for a chance to compete in the National Championship Game. NC State, Purdue, UConn, and Alabama will bring their unique strengths and playing styles to the court in pursuit of college basketball glory. The upcoming matchups are sure to captivate fans as these teams battle for a spot in the championship game and a shot at NCAA Tournament history.
