March Madness, Miami vs UConn: 3 predictions for Final Four showdown

Miami and UCONN are set to square off in the Final Four. Here are three predictions of what could happen in the big March Madness matchup.

The Final Four is set and with all due respect to San Diego State and Florida Atlantic, the headliner on Saturday night will be Miami’s showdown with UConn. The Huskies have looked like the most dominant team over the first four rounds of March Madness while Miami has slayed several giants, including Houston and Texas in the Midwest Region to reach the Final Four for the first time in program history.

What should we expect from this game?

Check out three predictions of what to expect from the second game of the night in Houston on Saturday.

Final Four: 3 predictions for Miami vs. UConn

3. Miami will look to push the pace

The Hurricanes play faster than any team left in the NCAA Tournament, rating 90th in adjusted tempo according to KenPom, and their speed is their big advantage. Having elite guard play from Nigel Pack and Isaiah Wong has helped Miami beat bigger teams throughout the tournament, a trend they will look to continue against UCONN.

The Huskies are another big team but they haven’t really had to go up and down the floor against a high-major offense with elite guard play in the tournament. An up-tempo game could be Miami’s best chance to wear down Adama Sanogo, who has bullied big men in the post throughout March Madness, so expect Jim Larranga’s team to run every chance they get.

2. UConn will look to play a physical affair

One key to success for UCONN throughout the NCAA Tournament has been their ability to use their physicality to their advantage. The Huskies have beaten up each of their opponents and have won each of their NCAA Tournament games by 15+ points, including an 82-54 beatdown of a very good Gonzaga team in the Elite Eight.

Dan Hurley’s team is very committed to defense as the Huskies allow just 64.4 points per game and have the nation’s 11th-most efficient defense according to KenPom. Bullying the opposition has worked well for UCONN to this point so expect them to try and impose their will on this contest.

1. There will be plenty of points

If you’re looking for an offensive game in the Final Four, this will be the one to watch. UCONN and Miami have the two most explosive offenses left in the bracket with both ranking in the Top 5 of KenPom’s offensive efficiency metrics.

While they score in different ways, with UCONN more proficient in the paint and Miami doing its best work from the perimeter, each team averages over 78 points per game. This contest should be a barn burner and the highlight of the final weekend of March Madness.

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