2013 Final Four Preview

 

Well, here we are, the Final Four is almost here.  I am so excited not only because I get to see two exciting match ups in Louisville-Wichita State and Michigan-Syracuse but I am so proud that Kevin Ware one of the backup guards on Louisville will get to see the game with his team after suffering a devastating leg injury in Sundays regional final against Duke on Sunday.  I bet him being there will give Louisville a big lift because they want to win it all for him. So I will preview each match up and give my predictions.

I will start with the first game Louisville Wichita State.  I think this will be a defensive battle, both teams right now are excelling on defense.  Louisville loves to pressure the offense both in the full court and the half court game while Wichita State is an excellent rebounding team which averages about 43 rebounds a game during this tournament.  There is no hotter player in this match up than Guard Russ Smith of Louisville who is averaging 26 points a game during this NCAA Tournament. For Wichita State to have a chance to upset Louisville is Malcolm Armstead of the shockers must contiune to rebound the basketball well, take good quality shots against an excellent Louisville defense and they must play good defense on the good duo of Russ Smith and Peyton Siva.  I think it will be a close game but in the end I like Louisville. I will call it Louisville 70 Wichita State 59.

Now lets go to the second match up, Michigan-Syracuse.  I think this game will come down to the match up of Syracuse's 2-3 zone defense against Michigan's potent offense.  Michigan loves to shoot from the perimeter, while Syracuse in this tournament is forcing a lot of turnovers.  I really like the Michigan back court of  Trey Burke, Tim Hardaway Jr and Glenn Robinson III.  Syracuse has a good trio of defenders in C.J. Fair, Michael Carter-Williams and James Southerland.  Syracuse in this NCAA Tournament has allowed opponents to shoot only 17.2% from three point range. I really like this Michigan team right now and forward Mitch McGary in this is averaging 17.5 points and 11.5 rebounds a game in this tournament and I think he is the x factor.  I will say Michigan 69 Syracuse 63.  I will give my predictions for Mondays game sometime on Sunday, enjoy the Final Four on Sunday.