Final Four 2016: Updated Bracket and Player Stat Predictions for Semifinals

The path to forming the 2016 Final Four coursed through both predictable and unexpected waters guided by some of the best players in the nation.

Even those hoping for bracket-busters expected well-rounded teams such as Villanova and North Carolina to post mostly even performances by individuals thanks to potent spread-it-around attacks.

On the other end, if Oklahoma was going to make it this far, it would be on the heels of a monster effort from Buddy Hield. And nobody expected what Syracuse has gotten from key freshmen.

The small parts composing the whole will without a doubt make something special in the Final Four this weekend. 

Final Four Schedule and Predictions

Saturday, April 2	Time (ET)	TV	Line	Pick ATS
No. 2 Villanova (-1) vs. No. 2 Oklahoma	6:09 p.m.	TBS	Villanova (-2)	Villanova
No. 10 Syracuse vs. No. 1 North Carolina (-10)	8:49 p.m.	TBS	UNC (-9.5)	UNC

Player Stat Predictions

No. 2 Villanova (-1) vs. No. 2 Oklahoma

Villanova
Oklahoma
Player	PTS	REB
Josh Hart	15	3
Kris Jenkins	13	2
Ryan Arcidiacono	12	7
Player	PTS	REB
Buddy Hield	29	6
Jordan Woodard	12	2
Isaiah Cousins	12	5

Indeed, most expected Villanova to steamroll the competition until late in the tournament, which is what happens when all five starters average at least 9.8 points per game.

The Wildcats scored 85 or more points in their three opening games before a test against No. 1 Kansas, which they also passed in 64-59 fashion. It was more of the same on a smaller scale, with four starters reaching double digits as Josh Hart, Kris Jenkins and Ryan Arcidiacono all scored 13 points.

As mentioned, it's a one-man show for Oklahoma via Hield. Maybe that's not fair because four starters average 10 or more points, but the future NBA lottery pick is all alone with his 25.4 average.

It's hard to find numbers that do Hield's impact justice. He's scored 27, 36, 17 and 37 points, respectively, in the tournament so far, upping his play when the Sooners need it most. Not only has he improved on season averages, he's bumped his play compared to prior years, as ESPN Stats & Info illustrated:

While impressive, a team like Villanova has the stopping power to send Hield off to NBA workouts.

It's what a team like Villanova was built to do. Not only do the Wildcats boast an elite spread-it-around offense, on the other end of the court they rank seventh in adjusted defensive efficiency at KenPom.com.

After quieting a potent Kansas offensive attack, look for the Wildcats to at least slow Hield somewhat through pace control and a strong offense.

Prediction: Villanova 83, Oklahoma 80

No. 10 Syracuse vs. No. 1 North Carolina (-10)

North Carolina
Syracuse
Player	PTS	REB
Brice Johnson	16	12
Joel Berry II	17	5
Marcus Paige	13	5
Player	PTS	REB
Michael Gbinije	15	5
Malachi Richardson	15	4
Tyler Lydon	11	6

North Carolina does what Villanova does well in terms of sharing the ball and downright overwhelming opponents. 

Only better.

The Tar Heels rank first in the nation in adjusted offensive efficiency, which isn't much of a shocker considering the team averages 83 points and 18 assists per game on 48 percent shooting from the floor.

Brice Johnson leads the way for the Tar Heels by averaging 17.1 points per game, one of four players averaging north of 12 points. It's translated in emphatic fashion, with the team posting 83 or more points in all four tournament games so far.

Syracuse will need a borderline defensive miracle to slow the Tar Heels alongside another strong performance on the offensive end of the court. Head coach Jim Boeheim stressed the idea, as captured by NCAA March Madness:

Syracuse has four players averaging 10 or more points, with freshmen Malachi Richardson and Tyler Lydon stepping up huge in the tournament. The former has posted 21 or more points twice, including 23 in an upset of No. 1 Virginia, while the latter has gone for 14 or more twice.

While North Carolina only ranks 22nd in adjusted defensive efficiency, meaning Syracuse's hot attack can post some decent numbers, it's a lot to ask a pair of freshmen to keep gunning consistently under the bright lights of the Final Four against a team as experienced as these Tar Heels.

In a fast-paced affair, one has to side with North Carolina, if not for the experience factor, then for the size difference, which will create plenty of multiple shot clocks in one trip down the court and eventually overwhelm this year's favorite Cinderella. 

Prediction: North Carolina 88, Syracuse 76 

Check out Bleacher Report's live updating bracket to track your picks along the road to the Final Four.

Stats and information courtesy of ESPN.com unless otherwise specified. Advanced metrics courtesy of ESPN.com and KenPom.com. Odds courtesy of Odds Shark.