The final four we've all been waiting for

By Chris Winkler
Staff Writer

While Davidson was busy throwing away its final possession, the NCAA selection committee had the opportunity to sit back and smile. For the first time in NCAA tournament history, they got it right. For the first time, all of the top seeds will head to the final four.

It’s tough to argue a favorite right now. North Carolina swept through the east region as if they were playing Mount St. Mary’s each time. Memphis and UCLA each had a tough second-round game, but then crushed the opposition on the second weekend.

As for Kansas, they needed a defensive stop on the final possession in the Midwest regional final. Besides that, a 15-point win over Villanova was the “toughest” game they received.

So, that leaves us with the final four we have always wished for. Kansas versus North Carolina. Memphis versus UCLA.

The first game on Saturday will be Memphis and UCLA. Memphis got a big scare from Mississippi State in the second round thanks to their inability to make free throws. They humiliated Michigan State by leading 50-20 at halftime, and didn’t allow Texas to get within one possession in the entire second half in the South regional final.

UCLA has arguably looked the worst of the four teams, but a 10-point win over Western Kentucky and a 19-point win over Xavier really means the Bruins aren’t here by accident.

As for the game itself, it doesn’t seem like UCLA can match Memphis’ athleticism, especially on the wing. The once dominant UCLA defense has been suspect of late, although they had a much better showing versus Xavier. Josh Shipp, averaging only 6.3 points per game, is just 2-for-14 from outside and will really need to pick it up if they can stay with Memphis.

Memphis has been absolutely scary of late especially on the break. Derrick Rose is looking like the top pick in next year’s NBA Draft like many thought he would be. Joey Dorsey looks like the Joey Dorsey of last season being a monster on the boards. Then there is the leader Chris Douglas-Roberts, averaging a quiet 22.5 points per game in the tournament.

UCLA will try their hardest to slow the game down, but Memphis is simply too quick. I like the Tigers in a not-so-close game.

The late game, North Carolina and Kansas, should be extremely entertaining. The Tar Heels have looked unbeatable, while Kansas did until the Davidson game.

Carolina has lost twice all season, and only once with point guard Ty Lawson. Lawson has had a fantastic tourney showing no signs of the ankle injury that forced him to miss six games. He has 20 assists to just six turnovers so far while scoring in double-figures in each game.

Kansas needed a miss from Jason Richards to get the final four, the first in Bill Self’s career, but has still looked unbeatable in the tournament.

Led by a balanced scoring attack, Kansas got 13 from center Sasha Kaun against Davidson, the first time he scored in double-figures in almost two months. Kaun could be the X-factor, especially with Brandon Rush and Mario Chalmers having an edge on the Tar Heels guards.

If Kaun and Darrell Arthur find a way to hold down Tyler Hansbrough, they can find a way to win. But I don’t see it, I like Carolina in a close one.

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