We’re down to 4. The Final 4 as you may call it. Did anyone have a Final Four of Louisville, Michigan, Syrause and Wichita State? Almost assuredly not. Hell, going into the Sweet 16 I had all of my Final 4 left, and two rounds later, I had 1, and the one that I had left featured a player with an exploding leg.
Now, though, we have watched our fill of all four teams and know how they have been playing and what to expect. Where will it go from here? Here is what I am thinking.
Louisville – Wichita State: The Shockers are playing a game that relies on their ability to rebound, both to take away chances from their opponents and their ability to get second chances for themselves. That is to say, they aren’t the typical mid-major Final Four team who has had a dynamic offensive outing. They needed to hit some threes to beat Ohio State, but they matched them on the boards. That will be key against Louisville, but a good defensive and rebounding team will likely remain in the hunt a little bit longer even in their losses.
Much will be made about Kevin Ware and his exploded leg and its impact on Louisville. I posit that it will be minimal.The “win one for Ware” sentiment will fade after a few days (he’s not dead) and he only contributed only about 4.5 points a game. Louisville is probably the best team left. Give them the victory, but it will be close.
Michigan – Syracuse: This is an average Syracuse team. They don’t have the dynamic scorer like Carmelo, or leader like McNamara, or defender like Warrick, or insufferable douche like Devendorf. They have some solid players and a good defensive scheme. This year more than any other, they rely on the other team to win. If their opponent is shooting, then Syracuse loses. If they aren’t Syracuse wins. Opponents need to be able to take the ball to the hole, but it really comes down to knocking down open jump shots. The story of playing against any zone.
Michigan is a good offensive team with a lot of good shooters. They have good backcourt leadership, intelligent guards and are really the perfect team to beat Syracuse. Of course, if they are relied upon to knock down shots, I worry about their composure on the biggest stage. Of course, as they proved against Kansas, they are comfortable getting on streaks and playing from behind. Still, Syracuse versus Louisville would be the greatest kick in the pants in some time. Shows me for mocking them.
So I think it’s going to be Louisville and Syracuse, with the Cardinals winning. Wouldn’t that be fun? No. Probably not.
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