2009 Final 4 Predictions

The Tarheels arrive at the Final Four with a solid, balanced effort against Blake Griffin and the Oklahoma Sooners. What was billed as a one-one matchup in the post between Hansbrough and Griffin turned out to be anything but that. Griffin did dominate the game from a statistical standpoint but the points didn't come easy and he didn't score his first two points until there was 8 minutes remaining in the opening half. The Tarheels doubled teams Griffin early forcing him to give up the ball. The Sooners, who were deadly in their outside shooting against the Orangemen in the previous round, could never seem to get on track in this game shooting a woeful 2 for 19 from behind the arc and didn't connect on their first attempt until late in the second half, when the game was just about out of reach.

The Villanova Wildcats surprised everyone by upsetting the top seeded Pittsburgh Panthers thanks to an end to end running floater by Scottie Reynolds helping the Wildcats to advance to the Final Four for the first time since 1985. It was only fitting that Reynolds hit the winning shot as it seemed that the Wildcats had the game before he made an errant full court pass that resulted in a turn over and allowed the Panthers' Fields to tie the game up at 76 with two free throws. The Wildcats are the lowest seed remaining in the tournament but they are a formidable opponent for the Tarheels. The area where the Tarheels were exposed against the Sooners was when the guards were able to penetrate and dish off for easy lay ups or dunks. If the Wildcats are able to do this, it will make for an interesting game to say the least. On the other side, if Lawson continues to lead a balanced attack as he has the previous 2 tournament games, look for the Tarheels to advance to final round to play the winner of the Michigan State-Connecticut Winner.

Connecticut vs. Michigan State

As most expected, the Huskies advanced to the final round with a bruising, hard-fought 82-75 victory against the Missouri Tigers despite their center Thabeet not being much of a factor with 5 points and 13 rebounds. The Tigers did their best to press to Huskies as they did against Memphis in the previous round but Connecticut proved to have more poise and experienced ball-handlers who refused to be rattled by the pressure. The Huskies are seeking their third title in 11 years and their first since 2004 where those championship runs also went through Phoenix.

The Spartans arrive fresh off a stunning upset of the overall number one seeded Louisville Cardinals. The Cardinals who are known for intimidating teams with its pressure defense and speed got a taste of its own medicine as the Spartans were not only stronger but also appeared a step quicker than the Cardinals all game. Louisville's Terrence Williams was held to only 1 made field goal and the Cardinals only had two players in double figures. This trip will be Michigan State's fifth to the Final Four in 11 years and they will be playing the game in Detroit where there are sure to be a lot of fans rooting them on. Picking the winner of this game will not be easy as both teams are known for being physical and both can speed up the pace of the game at any moment. After witnessing how Michigan State simply dismantled the game plan of the Cardinals, it's difficult to merely dismiss them as an easy out. If they are able to duplicate their performance against Connecticut, they do have a shot at playing for the championship next Monday. However, if Thabeet can be a major factor in the paint and if A.J. Price and Walker play the way they did against the Tigers, look for the Huskies to advance to the final game.

Sources:

CBS (Viewed Games)

ESPN Sportscenter

Chicago Suntimes Newspaper