March Madness 2018: Updated Schedule, Bracket and Key Players for Final Four

When you glance over the rosters of each Final Four team, a handful of stars stand out as potential key players for Saturday's contests.

All four participants benefited from strong guard play in the first two weekends of the NCAA men's basketball tournament, while the frontcourt players featured in a secondary role.

Both of Saturday's winners are most likely going to advance to the National Championship because of strong play from their respective backcourts.

Below is a look at a player from each Final Four team who is going to be key to success Saturday night.

Final Four Schedule

No. 3 Michigan vs. No. 11 Loyola-Chicago (6:09 p.m., TBS) 

No. 1 Villanova vs. No. 1 Kansas (8:49 p.m., TBS)

All times ET.

Updated Bracket

Key Players to Watch

Marques Townes, Loyola-Chicago

What's made Loyola-Chicago's incredible Cinderella run so unique is four different players have featured in the starring role in four games.

Marques Townes took charge in the Sweet 16, as he knocked down the game-clinching shot in the final minute against No. 7 Nevada.

After putting up single-digit point totals in the Missouri Valley tournament final and the first two games of March Madness, the junior from New Jersey totaled 31 points against Nevada and No. 9 Kansas State.

John Amis/Associated Press

With Ben Richardson occupied by distributing the ball, and Clayton Custer receiving attention from one of Michigan's top defenders, Townes has a chance to thrive.

Not only did Townes score in double digits in both games in Atlanta, he did so in an efficient manner, as he went 10-of-16 from the field and 9-of-9 at the free-throw line.

If he produces the same consistency Saturday, the Ramblers have a chance to strike Michigan with a balanced attack and move on to the title game.

Charles Matthews, Michigan

Kentucky transfer Charles Matthews has arguably been the most valuable player for any team in the NCAA tournament.

After struggling to end the Big Ten season, Matthews exploded for 20 points in the first-round win against No. 14 Montana.

The guard used the performance from the March Madness opener as a catalyst for further success, as he reached double digits in the next three contests.

In addition to putting up impressive numbers in the points column, Matthews has been a vital asset on the glass, with 29 rebounds, including 11 vs. Montana.

Harry How/Getty Images

All of this comes after Matthews was cast aside and barely made an impact at Kentucky two seasons ago, as he averaged 1.7 points in 10.3 minutes per game.

As long as Matthews continues his hot streak, the Wolverines should put themselves in position to win, as the pieces around the guard chip in with key contributions.

Malik Newman, Kansas

No player in men's basketball caught fire like Kansas' Malik Newman over the last month.

The transfer from Mississippi State used the Big 12 tournament quarterfinal against Oklahoma State as a statement by putting up 30 points.

Since then, Newman hasn't slowed down, as he's averaging 21.5 points per game in his last six contests.

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

With the Jayhawks on the brink of elimination Sunday, Newman scored all 13 of the team's points in overtime to push them into the Final Four.

During his scoring streak, Newman knocked down at least four three-pointers in five games, including a 5-of-12 output against No. 2 Duke in the Elite Eight.

Look for the Jayhawks to feed the hot hand early Saturday in order to get out to a quick start in an even matchup with Villanova.

Donte DiVincenzo, Villanova

It's understandable why Donte DiVincenzo sometimes gets lost in the shuffle when discussing Villanova's backcourt because of Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges.

In Sunday's Elite Eight victory over No. 3 Texas Tech, DiVincenzo stole the spotlight on a few different occasions.

The sophomore guard from Delaware produced a pair of highlight reel slams in the second half on his way to recording 12 points. Sunday marked the second time in seven games DiVincenzo eclipsed double digits in points.

Frank Franklin II/Associated Press

While he isn't relied on to be a top scorer like Brunson and Bridges, DiVincenzo brings an extra element to the court that separates Villanova from most of its opponents.

Not only can DiVincenzo come up with clutch baskets, he is a terrific rebounder and defender, a combination that could cause problems for Kansas.

Expect DiVincenzo's name to be called a lot during Saturday's broadcast, but it won't be because of his scoring prowess. The sophomore is going to do all the little things right, like drawing charges and dishing out assists, to put the Wildcats back in the title game for the second time in three years.

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90.

Statistics obtained from ESPN.com.