I personally think these are the lesser of the two 1-seeds, but both have a great chance to take home the hardware on Monday. These four teams have been the class of the league throughout the year, and just because I’d rank Memphis #3 and UCLA #4 doesn’t mean that I don’t think this will be a hell of a game, nor does it insist that the winner of this one is just cannon fodder for the winner of Kansas and Carolina. What a starting five in this match-up, and both have their dynamic diaper dandies!
Storylines:
The Tigers have what rates out as the most successful starting five in college basketball. Chris Douglas Roberts, Derrick Rose, Robert Dozier, Antonio Anderson, and Joey Dorsey compile a starting five where all players play 25+ minutes per game, they all score 7 or more per game, and they all average 4+ rebounds per contest. With four reserves that play solid minutes, it’s not like the Tigers are shallow either. Dorsey is the defensive stopper, and if he’s amped for this game, I see a big Memphis win. That if is always up in the air with Joey.
With just one loss on the year, Memphis looks to make history with a win over UCLA, as that would make them the all-time single season wins record holder.
UCLA has four starters that average 12 or more points per game, led by freshman sensation Kevin Love. His 17.5 and 10.7 averages in points and rebounds don’t even begin to do him justice. Love’s ability to run the floor, make the perfect pass, and come up clutch from anywhere and everywhere on the floor will make him a match-up problem for any team in the nation. Joey Dorsey may be a beast, but Love’s basketball IQ will give Dorsey trouble early and often. Dorsey’s focus will be the key to this game.
This is a great match-up between elite offense and stingy defense. I can’t wait to see the magic happen.
Best Coach: Push
It seems like good coaches are present on every team come the Final Four. Both John Calapari and Ben Howland are great coaches. They are two very different guys, but equally effective. Howland has had more success as of late, but it’s not as if Memphis holds a candle to the history of a UCLA. Working with what he has, his ability to recruit and teach the game, Calapari is second to none. These two guys are both great for their respective programs.
Best Run Thus Far: Memphis
UCLA has been good, but they’ve definitely had a little close call action thus far. Western Kentucky gave them a scare in the Sweet 16, and that was only after Texas A&M fell just a bucket short of a win against #1 in the Round of 32. Memphis beat the 5th best team in the Nation handily, ousting Texas 85-67 in Texas to get to the Final Four. They needed a close win against Mississippi State, but they destroyed Michigan State and obviously handled their 1st round opponent easily. The Tigers probably have the best starting 5 in the country, which could give them and edge over UCLA if they all stay out of foul trouble.
Key to the Game:
Freshmen. Kevin Love versus Derrick Rose. Both of these guys are brilliant young players that have not only carried their respective teams to #1 seeds, but have taken the weight with a coke and a smile. Both have hit their share of game winning shots. Both have made perfect passes, and both have given the credit to their teammates all season long. Don’t be confused - the freshman with the better game will lead his team to victory on Saturday.
