NCAA Bracket 2015: Final Four Teams, Updated Schedule and Picks

In terms of optimal storytelling, the NCAA lucked out with its 2015 Final Four participants.

Of the remaining survivors, three are No. 1 seeds with at least one college superstar. Fans of NBA teams out of playoff contention will turn their focus to scouting a myriad of potential lottery picks.

Michigan State is not the conventional underdog, but it's a No. 7 seed without a true superstar, making it the pesky scrapper challenging the titans.

Then there's Kentucky's quest for a perfect season, which divides the public's rooting interest among equally intrigued viewers. Whether onlookers want to see the Wildcats go undefeated or get thwarted, they're all anxious to see what happens next.

While Kentucky and Duke hover above the four possible championship matchups, any combination of these Final Four participants will produce a captivating finish. Before jumping ahead to April 6's finale, let's take a look at the weekend's semifinal showdowns.

Date	Game	Time (ET)	TV	Pick
Saturday, April 4	No. 1 Duke vs. No. 7 Michigan State	6:09 p.m.	TBS	Duke
Saturday, April 4	No. 1 Kentucky vs. No. 1 Wisconsin	8:49 p.m.	TBS	Kentucky
Monday, April 6	Championship Game	9:19 p.m.	CBS	Kentucky

Kentucky vs. Wisconsin

On its way to the Final Four, Kentucky proved beatable in victory. Notre Dame nearly ended the stellar run during a 68-66 thriller.

Facing their first real test in weeks, the Wildcats didn't miss a field goal during the final 12 minutes. According to ESPN Stats & Info, they haven't needed to display such late-game resiliency in a while.

Head coach John Calipari, however, wasn't thrilled with his team's performance. 

"We didn't play very well and Notre Dame, I thought, controlled the whole thing, but we made the plays," Calipari told The Associated Press' Tom Withers. "We figured out a way to win it. We've had other tests, but we have a will to win."

Surprisingly, the Fighting Irish came within two points despite going 4-of-14 from three-point territory. Shooting was supposedly their meal ticket to an upset, but it instead prevented one. Now the Wildcats must stifle another prolific offense.

Wisconsin is the only college hoops team with a more efficient offense than Notre Dame. Although Kentucky boasts the nation's best defense, the Badgers compiled 85 points against Arizona, which ranks No. 3 in adjusted defense. 

They navigated an imposing defense with a dozen deep bombs, led by five from sizzling forward Sam Dekker. Yet Kentucky, which limits opponents to a 26.7 percentage from behind the arc, fiercely guarded the perimeter against Notre Dame.

Wisconsin has a chance, but only if Dekker remains hot and Frank Kaminsky delivers another incredible effort. Everyone besides Dekker who logged minutes against Arizona combined for 29 points, matching Kaminsky's output.

Harry How/Getty Images

The Badgers are putting all their eggs in two well-garnered baskets, but Kentucky's defense is too dominant, and the offense becomes just as unstoppable when Karl-Anthony Towns takes control come crunch time.

Prediction: Kentucky 71, Wisconsin 68

Duke vs. Michigan State

Michigan State never beats higher-seeded opponents in March, right? No way Tom Izzo's crew could knock off a favorite.

As noted by ESPN Stats & Info, the legendary coach has a habit of performing above his team's bracket appraisal:

As of Tuesday night, Odds Shark lists the Spartans as a five-point underdog. That's actually a show of respect for Izzo's accolades, as his No. 7 seed with a 27-11 record clashes with No. 1 Duke, which dropped only four games entering the NCAA tournament.

This bout doesn't feel the least lopsided, but the Blue Devils are the rightful favorite. They're ranked better in offensive, defensive and overall team efficiency, and Michigan State hasn't earned a double-digit win since Feb. 17. Through the last 12 games, the Spartans have posted a 2.3-point scoring margin.

Elsa/Getty Images

Also, nobody can claim a significant coaching advantage with Mike Krzyzewski on the other side. With Jahlil Okafor, Tyus Jones and Justise Winslow, he certainly has the more talented player pool to direct into the championship game.

Despite another terrific run, Izzo doesn't possess a magic potion for March basketball. The Blue Devils set up the dream matchup most fans want to see.

Prediction: Duke 74, Michigan State 66

Advanced stats are courtesy of KenPom.com.