The Skyliner

Issue date: 4/2/08 Section: Sports

In my last column, I predicted at least one of the top seeds would fall last weekend, and as many of you have been so kind to point out, all four survived. I am not a fortune teller, nor am I "Hershey" who currently leads the bracket pool at cbssportsline.com. I was basing my assumptions and predictions strictly on history.

By history, I am referring to the fact that never in history have all four number one seeds made it to the Final Four. This is the first time that the predicted best four teams at the start of the tournament have actually proven that they are indeed worthy of their number one seeding. So, let us look at the match ups for this Sunday.


Kansas vs. North Carolina


The champions of the Midwest and East regions respectively clash in a match up that many analysts are predicting could turn out to be the game of the year in college basketball. These teams are mirror images of one another, veteran players, top-tier coaches and deep benches. North Carolina had a late scare against Louisville in the regional finals and Kansas took all they could handle against a scrappy Davidson team, but in the end both teams relied on their strengths to attain a spot in San Antonio.

North Carolina has yet to really be challenged in this year's tournament. The Tar Heels rely strongly on AP player of the year, Tyler Hansborough, and he is almost assured a double-double every time he steps on the court. The catalyst for the Tar Heels, however, is guard Wayne Ellington. It seems as Ellington goes, so go the Heels. If the Jayhawks are to win this game, they will need to shut down the scoring of Ellington and limit the Tar Heels ability to score in transition. This will be the stiffest test for either team yet this season, regardless of the outcome, look for an instant classic of a game.


Memphis vs. UCLA


UCLA makes their third Final Four appearance in the last three years, and Memphis is making their third Final Four appearance of all time. That statement pretty much sums up this battle of the West and South champions - experience versus youth.

The Bruins are full of veteran players who have been in this position before and are looking to avenge two straight years of losing in the big game. UCLA's defense has carried them this far including a shut down team performance against hot-handed Xavier in the regional finals. Coach Ben Howland looks to shake the mantra of best coach never to win the big game as his Bruins battle the younger Memphis Tigers.

The Tigers are hot. There is no doubt about the fact that this team is peaking at the perfect time of the year. Led by super freshmen point guard Derek Rose, the Tigers are trying to send the Bruins packing for the third time without a championship trophy. The game hinges on the Tigers ability to push the tempo and turn the game into a shootout.

Whereas a low scoring defensive game favors the Bruins, the younger Tigers look to turn up the energy on their way to a championship appearance.

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