Normally, The Great Burnzini only drops his GRADE-A prognostications on this blog regarding the local prep scene. However, since our beloved Michigan State Spartans are getting prepared for the programs 6^th NCAA Final Four appearance over the past 12 seasons (a pretty epic feat in itself), he thought he'd break protocol and delve into the world of college hoop predictions.

Semi-Final # 1

Michigan State vs. Butler

I know the official game-line puts the hometown-Bulldogs as favorites in this contest, but I still consider the seasoned-Spartans, making their second straight foray into the Final Four, the frontrunners. Butler may have an early-edge with a local and pro-Cinderella crowd and the natural adrenaline factor from finally making it to the big stage, yet that will only carry the squad so far. More than the experience issue, this game will come down to overall talent and athleticism. The Spartans have a lot of it, their opponents don't. Coach Izzo rides his "D-Bomb Express" of juniors Durrell Summers and Delvon Roe and sophomore Draymond Green, into another NCAA Final.

Michigan State 76, Butler 68

Quick side prediction….er…..hedge – if Butler does end up beating MSU, which I see as totally plausible, they WILL WIN THE WHOLE THING. Mark it down!

Semi-Final # 2

Duke vs. West Virginia

There's just something about West Virginia that I like really really like this year. First, the Mountaineers are absolutely fearless. Second, they have Da'Sean Butler, arguably the most clutch player in the county (7 game winners). I can't count the Dukies out though, because Jon Scheyer, Nolan Smith, and Kyle Singler, are as dangerous as a "3-headed monster" as they come and all three have loads of big game a experience.  This one should be a classic and I dare say for the National Championship (barring my aforementioned "hedge" pick of Butler taking home the big enchilada if they end up knocking off MSU) when it's all said and done. DButler nails another buzzer beater in OT and Bob Huggins is coaching in his first national championship game come Monday night in 'Naptown.

WVU 83 Duke 81 (OT)