Final Four Preview

The Final Four is set so here is a recap of how all four teams got there and a prediction of how the matchups will shake out.

#1 Louisville
Round of 64- Defeated North Carolina A&T  79-48
Round of 32- Defeated Colorado State 82-56
Sweet 16- Defeated Oregon 77-69
Elite Eight- Defeated Duke 85-63

Vs

#9 Wichita State
Round of 64- Defeated Pittsburgh 73-55
Round of 32- Defeated Gonzaga 76-70
Sweet 16- Defeated La Salle 72-58
Elite Eight- Defeated Ohio State 70-66

These two teams have a very similar style of play and each have played at least one tough game. The Cardinals had their biggest problem against a guard heavy Oregon team that could handle pressure and rebound extremely well and that is exactly what the Shockers do at a better rate than the Ducks.
This is going to be a close game no matter how you look at it. The Shockers have already defeated Gonzaga and Ohio State the No. 1 and 2 teams in their bracket and have a chance to pull off the upset against UL.
However, the injury to Kevin Ware is fueling this team all the way to the title in my opinion and while the game will be close, the Cardinals blow it open with a late second half run.

#4 Syracuse
Round of 64- Defeated Montana 81-34
Round of 32- Defeated California 66-60
Sweet 16- Defeated Indiana 61-50
Elite Eight- Defeated Marquette 55-39

VS

#4 Michigan
Round of 64-Defeated South Dakota State 71-56
Round of 32- Defeated VCU 78-53
Sweet 16- Defeated Kansas 87-85
Elite Eight- Defeated Florida 79-59

This is a matchup of strength on strength, as 'Cuse's 2-3 zone has been deadly throughout the season and its tournament run, but has been beatable at times especially from beyond the arc.  The Wolverines' shot the three at one of the most effective rates in the country and Trey Burke can penetrate with the best of them.
Michael Carter-Williams and Burke is the matchup that everyone is talking about because they are the two best point guards in the NCAA and rightfully so but the matchup that will decided the game is the inside game of Mitch McGray vs. C.J. Fair and the rest of the Orange Big Men. McGray had a rough start to his freshman season but has turned it on hear in the tournament and has been a matchup nightmare in the post. If the Orange can contain McGray and limit the penetration of Burke they will win this game. I don't think they do either of those and Michigan returns to the Championship game for the first time since the Fab Five.

Nation Title Game: Louisville vs Michigan