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March Madness: Ranking the leading candidates to win Final Four MOP

By Daniel Benjamin

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 23: Eric Paschall
BOSTON, MA - MARCH 23: Eric Paschall /
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SAN ANTONIO, TX – MARCH 31: Mikal Bridges
SAN ANTONIO, TX – MARCH 31: Mikal Bridges /

3. Mikal Bridges, Villanova

Bridges has finally realized his enormous potential, as a result, he had a breakout season. The 6-foot-7 junior has not had a great NCAA Tournament thus far. However, the 2018 Big East Tournament MOP is capable of carrying the Wildcats to victory over the Wolverines as he showed during the conference tournament and versus Alabama in the Round of 32.

Bridges torched Alabama for 23 points, on 7 of 16 shooting including 5 of 6 from long distances, in 26 minutes of action. It was his 15th 20-point game of the season.

Bridges, who has scored in double figures in 19 straight games, averages 17.6 points and 5.3 rebounds for the season. He is also shooting 51.2% from the floor and 43.5% from beyond the arc.

2. Moe Wagner, Michigan

While Matthews and Abdur-Rahkman can put the ball in the hoop, Wagner is definitely the catalyst.

Wagner can score inside and outside. He has developed into a good rebounder and rim protector. The 6-foot-11 junior scored 24 points, giving him 10 games of 20 or more points on the season, and grabbed a career-best 15 rebounds against Loyola on Saturday.

Wagner is averaging 14.6 points and 7.1 rebounds while shooting 52.8% from the field and 39.9% from beyond the arc.

1. Jalen Brunson, Villanova

There really is not much to say here. While Bridges may be the better pro prospect, Brunson has been by far the better and more valuable player for the Wildcats.

The National Player of the Year can score and distribute the ball with the best of the players. He is an excellent shooter who can also score anywhere on the floor. And is money from the free throw line. The 6-foot-2 point guard is also very strong and has quick hands.

Next: NCAA Women’s Basketball: Ranking the leading candidates for Final Four MOP

Brunson, the East Regional MOP, has scored in double figures in each of his 39 contests this year. He is averaging 19.1 points, 4.7 dimes and 3.1 rebounds for the season. He is shooting 52.7% from the field and 41.3% from beyond the arc.

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