Both Michigan schools in the Final Four?

January 18, 2019 at 4:31AM
Michigan guard Charles Matthews (1) celebrates after being fouled while dunking against North Carolina in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) ORG XMIT: MIPS111
Charles Matthews (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

College basketball reporter Marcus Fuller each week picks the four teams coming to Minneapolis in April. This week, he dropped Duke (gasp!) from his list of four:

Virginia (16-0)

The Cavaliers rose to No. 1 in the coaches' poll, but threatening their perch are tough back-to-backs. The threesome of Kyle Guy, Ty Jerome and De'Andre Hunter helped them pass the first test (a win over No. 9 Virginia Tech), and Duke is next.

Michigan (17-0)

The Wolverines are off to the best start in school history, yet this bunch isn't loaded with future NBA picks. They have been unbeatable with a stifling defense and a balanced scoring attack that will help them in upcoming road games.

Tennessee (15-1)

It's hard to argue with Volunteers fans who think their team should be No. 1 after an 11-game win streak that includes a victory over previously No. 1 Gonzaga. But that is the only Vols win so far this season against a ranked opponent.

Michigan State (16-2)

The Spartans, who replace Duke, are on an 11-game winning streak. But leave it to Tom Izzo to find reasons to be disgusted by his team's play recently, most notably an 11-point, seven- turnover effort from Cassius Winston, right, vs. Penn State.


Michigan State guard Cassius Winston (5) against Florida during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018, in Gainesville, Fla. Michigan State defeated Florida 63-59. (AP Photo/Matt Stamey) ORG XMIT: OTK
Michigan State guard Cassius Winston (5) against Florida during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018, in Gainesville, Fla. Michigan State defeated Florida 63-59. (AP Photo/Matt Stamey) ORG XMIT: OTK (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Logo one right here (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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University of Tennessee Logo (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Logo two right here (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Logo four right here (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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