Inspector Pumphead Picks the Final Four Winners

It’s here. The Big Kahuna. The Final Four, one of the biggest stages in American sports. No hype necessary. Let’s dive right into the Inspector Pumphead preview.

Final four blog images
Inspector Pumphead loves the Final Four so much he cloned himself so he could root for multiple teams

Game 1: (1) Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. (7) South Carolina Gamecocks

When: Saturday, 6:09 PM EST tip

How to Watch: CBS or the CBS Sports streaming app

An interesting contrast in profiles, as the big bully is a tiny Jesuit school from Spokane that plays in the WCC, while the plucky underdog is a big state school from the mighty SEC.

The Gonzaga program has been working towards this moment since they first burst onto the national consciousness with an Elite Eight run in 1999. The Zags have been a consistent presence in the tournament since that time, but have never been able to quite recapture the magic. Despite garnering national respect and high seeding, Gonzaga has typically flamed out before the big stage.

But years of disappointment and heartbreak have finally been vanquished by a tough team built around a combination of outside shooting and the inside play of 300 lb. Polish big man Przemek Karnowski. They demolished another underdog, Xavier, in the previous round with sharp shooting and they will look to do the same to the Gamecocks.

South Carolina, the only team seeded lower than no. 3 to make the final weekend is by far the biggest surprise of the Final Four, and indeed the whole tournament. Led by expressive coach Frank Martin and the exquisitely named guard Sindarius Thornwell, the exciting Gamecocks are probably the emotional favorite for casual rooters.

The Pumphead Pick: Gonzaga 67, South Carolina 59

Game 2: (1) North Carolina Tar Heels vs. (3) Oregon Ducks

When: Saturday, 8:49 PM EST tip

How to Watch: CBS or the CBS Sports streaming app

UNC is back for another crack at the championship. Veteran coach Roy Williams has impressively and successfully rallied his team after last year’s heartbreaking, last second loss to Villanova. While the Tar Heels and their fans will never be able to erase that loss, they might found some small measure of redemption by winning this year.

As the only blueblood at this year’s Final Four, UNC will be the heavy betting favorite but will almost certainly have all impartial fans rooting against them. Can the players ignore the doubters and make it back to the championship game?

They’ll have to get through a very fun Oregon team that plays an appealing small ball style with players like Dillon Brooks, Dylan Ennis and Tyler Dorsey launching threes. Although more known for football, the Ducks have a basketball history; they actually won the first NCAA Championship in 1939. They’ve been building to this moment for the past few years and this squad is ready.

It will be an interesting clash of styles as the Ducks space game goes up against UNC’s more traditional lineup with big men like Isaiah HIcks and Kennedy Meeks. But the best player on the floor may be UNC wing Justin Jackson. Look for him to try to take over the game.

The Pumphead Pick: UNC 80, Oregon 70

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