Final Four Preview

The Final Four is almost upon us. In one semifinal, Connecticut takes on Michigan State. In the other, North Carolina plays Villanova. Who will advance to play in the championship game Monday night? The CT sports editor will let you know

Game 1

Who: Connecticut Huskies vs. Michigan State Spartans

When: Saturday at 6:07 p.m.

Where: Ford Field in Detroit

Analysis: Connecticut has been known this season for interior defense with center Hasheem Thabeet anchoring the middle. However, the Huskies blew through the West Regional on the strength of their offense. UConn averaged 78.5 points per game during regular season but increased their scoring output to 87.3 points per game. During the tournament, guard A.J. Price has been the catalyst for the spark, averaging 20 points per game, conversely, the Spartans used great defense to win the Midwest Regional. The Spartans have not allowed a tournament opponent to reach 70 points. Michigan State held Louisville, the top overall seed to just 52 points. The Spartans are not as explosive offensively as the Huskies and will need to play great defense once again to advance. The key to the game will be the matchup between the Huskies’ Thabeet and Spartans center Goran Suton. Suton hit many outside shots against Louisville. Suton needs to hit outside shots to draw Thabeet out of the lane and open it up for penetration by the Spartan guards. If Suton hits his outside shots, he will make it easier for Michigan State to pull the upset. The Spartans will also have home-court advantage playing in Detroit.

Pick: Connecticut. The Huskies are the better team. Suton will not be able to hit enough shots to pull Thabeet out of the lane, allowing Connecticut to pack the lane and forcing Michigan State to knock down perimeter shots.

Game 2

Who: North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Villanova Wildcats

When: Saturday at 8:47 p.m.

Where: Ford Field in Detroit

Analysis: North Carolina used a high-octane offense to blow through the South Regional. Guard Ty Lawson has been the most important part of North Carolina’s offense. While Lawson is not 100 percent healthy because of a toe injury, he remains North Carolina’s best player. Lawson is averaging 20.3 points and 6.7 assists per game during the tournament. The Tar Heels also have forward Tyler Hansbrough, who was named a First Team All-American team earlier this week. Villanova used great guard play to take the East Regional. The Wildcats have been led by guard Scottie Reynolds. Reynolds hit the game-winning shot in the Regional Final against Big East rival, Pittsburgh. Wildcats’ forward Dante Cunningham has also played great in the tournament. The Wildcats need their backcourt to continue their great play. Villanova only has Cunningham down low. North Carolina counters with Hansbrough and forwards Deon Thompson and Ed Davis in the post. Villanova also needs to find a way to slow down Lawson. If Villanova cannot slow down Lawson, the Wildcats have no chance.

Pick: North Carolina. No team in the tournament has stopped Lawson, and Villanova will be no different. Lawson will control the game on the perimeter which will make it easier for the Tar Heels to dominate the post, where they already have the advantage.