There is no more exciting place to be this weekend than Atlanta, Georgia. The Superdome will play host to four teams that all have a very good chance of winning the NCAA college basketball championship.
So far this year, March Madness has been quite entertaining. Much to the disappointment of basketball historians who wanted to see George Mason make it this year, Cinderellas are nowhere to be seen. On the other hand, we have seen very good close endings, and even some overtime play. One can guarantee that this year’s Final Four will be the most unpredictable in years.
Midwest representative and defending champions the Florida University Gators are looking for a repeat. They will be facing the Western representatives, the University of California Los Angeles Bruins, in the most anticipated rematch in recent memory. The other match features the North Carolina-trouncing Georgetown University Hoyas of the East region. They will be locking horns with the team that has been projected most frequently to win it all: the Ohio State University Buckeyes of the South region. The Final Four teams consist of seeds no lower than the two-spot, and each has a great coach.
The ultimate rematch:
Florida vs. UCLA
For the second time in March Madness history, the first in three decades, the defending national champion will be facing last year’s runner-up. But there’s even more to this story. Florida will also shoot for a second championship with the very same starting five from last year. They will also be the first team since the Blue Devils in the early 1990s to attempt a repeat.
But apart from that, this could be one heck of a defensive struggle. UCLA is known for their team’s defense. For Florida, the key is inside play with their guards. They were sleepy against Oregon in the Elite 8, but woke up after the guard play, particularly with sniper shots from Lee Humphrey. UCLA will have their hands full. It’s hard to say how this match will turn out, but I’ll give credit where credit is due: Florida will take it in a low-scoring game.
Final score prediction: Florida 63, UCLA 58.
Battle of the seven-footers:
Georgetown vs.
Ohio State
Everyone is talking about the most anticipated individual match-up in college ball this year: OSU’s Greg Oden versus Georgetown’s Roy Hibbert. The two seven-foot centres make the people around them look like schoolchildren. This match-up could dictate the rest of the game, and give us a clue to what the tempo may be. This game is potentially more offensive than not on both sides. OSU has great guards in Ron Lewis and Mike Conley, Jr. and could shoot the lights out. Georgetown has great players in Jonathan Wallace and Patrick Ewing, Jr. Whoever wins out of this game will deserve it, but the key is their big men.
Final score prediction: Ohio State 84, Georgetown 90.
The Finals
These finals next Monday night are going to be a joy to watch. There is a guarantee of contrasting basketball styles, and the game may be lopsided. National championships are often anti-climactic, but they can be real nail-biters. With the last four remaining, I have no doubt we can expect close games this weekend. For my money, Florida and Georgetown will face off. Georgetown-and I take a risk picking them-will win it all.
Final Score: Georgetown 81, Florida 79.
