Final Four Preview

2 Michigan State vs. 1 Connecticut

The Spartans will try to shut down the Huskies on Saturday night, just like they did against the Louisville Cardinals last week. The tight defense of MSU shut down the Cardinals, who were unable to score any fast-break points.

Goran Suton continued his great tournament, with 19 points and 10 rebounds. He'll need to continue his great play this weekend, as Hasheem Thabeet and the rest of the UCONN frontcourt is waiting for him. It will be interesting to see who UCONN matches up with Suton because he does have the ability to step outside the arc and drain the three (3-5 against Louisville). If it happens to be Thabeet, it could mean trouble for the Huskies. Suton is a skilled playmaker for his size, and is more than capable of finding Durrell Summers or Kalin Lucas slashing to the hoop.

Speaking of Summers and Lucas, both men will have to bring their A game on defense. Kemba Walker and A.J. Price are both playing exceptionally well right, and might be the best backcourt combination left. Both men are capable playmakers and scorers, which gives the Huskies a lot of versatility on offense. Both men are also capable of making plays against a pressure defense. If UCONN can score against it early, maybe they can force MSU into a more tentative gameplan that will allow the Huskies to run some more halfcourt.

The pick: I like UCONN. Suton has been amazing, but the Huskies have too much depth in the frontcourt.

3 Villanova vs. 1 North Carolina

Thanks to Scottie Reynolds and his last second bucket, we got some madness in what has amounted to a very tame tournament. The Wildcats were able to knock off the Pittsburgh Panthers, a team many thought would win the tournament. They had no superstar big man, nationally known wing, or highly celebrated point. 'Nova was able to win because they grind games out as a team. Everybody scores, everybody rebounds. The team effort they put up was enough to outrebound the tough Panthers and ultimately outscore them too.

The Wildcats aren't just about grit. This team is full of talented players who should be able to run with UNC's athletes. It'll be interesting to see how the Tar Heels do against a team that can keep up with their guards and wing players.

If the 'Heels want to win this game, a big key will be inside. Dante Cunningham is the Wildcat's leading scoring and rebounder. The 'Heels should feed it inside early and often. Try to get him to commit fouls against Tyler Hansbrough or Danny Green slashing to the bucket. If Cunningham has to sit out for any prolonged period of time, the 'Heels could get some separation.

The pick: UNC in a close one. Villanova will be able to play with them, and it'll likely come down to the wire. However, with a season and national title hopes on the line, Ty Lawson is the guy I want with the ball in his hands.