Final Four Preview

After the usual crazy upsets and bracket busting, the Final Four has finally arrived. We've seen teams from every walk of life make it in 2014, from Wisconsin and Florida (Wisconsin a respectable two seed, Florida a common national favorite to win it all) to the unexpected in UConn and Kentucky (UConn lost to Louisville by 33 a mere three weeks ago, UK has beaten three teams from last years Final Four on it's run so far.)

 As the old saying goes, everything is bigger in Texas. On Saturday, the anticipation, pressure and nerves will be super-sized among other factors. One simple question remains: Who will be cutting the nets one more time on their way to the national championship game next Monday? Let's take a look: 

First Game: UConn(7) vs Florida(1)

Information

Broadcast Network: TBS

Tip-off time: 6:09 PM Eastern Time

Stadium: AT&T Stadium

Location: Arlington, Texas

Commentators: Jim Nantz, Greg Anthony, Steve Kerr

Overview

These two teams have already met before in early December, with the Huskies edging out the Gators 65-64 on a buzzer beater from, you guessed it, Shabazz Napier. However both of these teams have matured and grown in their respective ways since that meeting. 

Chompin' At The Bit

Florida has since gone on a tantrum, with their last loss coming at the hands of UConn. This Gator squad is anchored by seniors Patric Young, Casey Prather and Scottie Wilbekin, also mixed in with young talent in the likes of Michael Fraizer II. With 4/5 starters averaging double digit points, the lack of offense shouldn't be a problem for Florida. Opponents fret over the Gators other side of the ball, as the Billy Donovan coached defense is notorious for putting offenses in a cage over the course of the game. Third in average points allowed in the nation, teams struggle when playing the Gators, to say the least. Florida, with a more mature and settled aura to them, look to avenge their early season loss to the Huskies on Saturday. 

Sweep For The Huskies?

As much as Florida has grown, Connecticut has hit their growth spurt at the right time. This Huskies team has peaked at a vital stage in their season, and what better way to show how than to knock the Gators off their throne as title favorites? Senior superstar Shabazz Napier headlines the feisty UConn squad alongside fellow veterans DeAndre Daniels and Ryan Boatright. Napier carries the load on offense, leading the team in points/rebounds/assists and steals per game. While the Huskies attack may be the feature of the team, the defense, statistically speaking, looks fantastic and translates to success on the court as well, halting the offensive attacks of both Iowa State and Michigan State, an accomplishment not many teams are able to pull off in late March. 

Prediction

This game promises to be just as good as the previous match-up, if not better. It's Napier and his Huskies trying to up-end the Gators and their ferocious defense one more time, this time with all the marbles on the line. When it comes down to it, both teams appear equal on paper. However, the game of basketball is not played on paper, as this game could swing either way. As hot as UConn is coming into this contest, look for the dominant defense of Florida to cool off the Huskies and punch their ticket to the national championship game. 

Florida edges UConn, 68-63

Second Game:Wisconsin(2) vs Kentucky(8)

Information

Broadcast Network: TBS

Tip-off time: 8:49 PM Eastern Time

Stadium: AT&T Stadium

Location: Arlington, Texas

Commentators: Jim Nantz, Greg Anthony, Steve Kerr

Overview

Although these two teams haven't met a prior time in the season like Florida and Connecticut, Kentucky and Wisconsin will share that privilege when they meet on the court this Saturday. The Badgers at first glance appear they have the upper-hand in the game due to mutual teams played (they've beaten both Florida and Michigan State, a feat UK has yet to do thus far.) Although this is rather impressive, don't expect this to hold coach John Calapari and his Wildcats back from anything.

They Grow Up So Fast...

After the most hyped-up freshmen class in history landed in Lexington with expectations of going 40-0 this year, the Wildcats struggled against mediocre teams throughout the course of the regular season. Failing to beat Florida in any of their three chances they got, skies appeared gloomy in UK country. The switch was turned on when it came tournament time, thanks in-part to future NBA Lottery selection Julius Randle. Randle averages a double-double each game and is a presence in the paint for Kentucky. Julius is also one of four starters on the UK team to average over 10 points per game alongside the two Harrison twins (Aaron and Andrew) and the highly potent James Young. This team has talent across the board, and now to the chagrin of Wisconsin, they are matured and ready to bring a title back to Lexington. 

Breaking Old Habits

Throughout tournament history, you will find certain teams that just don't live up to the hype they're expected to year in and year out, Wisconsin being one of those teams. However this Badger team looks to put those days behind them, all starting with Frank Kaminsky down low. While not quite Julius Randle in the stat sheets (14.1 ppg and 6.4 rpg) Kaminsky towers over defenders, standing at 7'0" and weighing in at 234 pounds. Like UK, Wisconsin has 4/5 players in their starting lineup that averages over double digit scoring. Wisconsin has and continues to play excellent defense, giving up a mere 63.7 ppg throughout the season. Having proven themselves by beating quality teams in Baylor and Arizona, the Badgers are ready to take on the challenge the Wildcats present them with.

Prediction

With the loss of Willie Cauley-Stein, the presence in the paint is now solely conceded to Julius Randle. A player like Frank Kaminsky could have a spectacular game with the loss to the UK frontcourt. Kentucky, in their last three games, have won by a combined total of ten points. Engaged in some tight battles, the Wildcats won't have a easy task yet again with the well rounded Wisconsin team. Expect the game to be close in the first half, but UK excels in making halftime adjustments. Both teams are able to defend shots and score, so this game is likely to come down to rebounding and turnovers. Kentucky out-rebounds Wisconsin significantly, and the Badgers' have four players averaging over a turnover per game, with a fifth player a shade under the mark at 0.9. When it's all said and done, the Badgers will fall short due to being handled in the paint and Big Blue will carry it's red hot momentum past Wisconsin into it's second national championship birth in three years. 

Kentucky slides past Wisconsin, 74-65