We've finally arrived at the final hour of the Big Dance. Tonight the Michigan Wolverines and the Louisville Cardinals will square off for a chance to be NCAA Tournament Champions. Each team has faced a bit of adversity throughout the tournament that has generated momentum in different ways. Last Sunday the Cardinals lost guard Kevin Ware during an Elite 8 match-up against Duke with a broken leg that million of viewers watched as it happened. Ware is expected to make a full recovery while fans and Ware's teammates are riding along with the "Win For Ware" campaign until the end. Michigan was nearly bounced out by Kansas in the Sweet 16 round but rallied back to win the ball game in OT. Just when America had crossed the Wolverines off, they pulled through with the win. This has become a theme for this Michigan team quite a bit during this tournament. Compared to Louisville, who started as the number 1 seed overall, Michigan has been tested and proven time and time again. Many people didn't expect them to get pass the pressure of VCU or Florida's defense and they beat both of those teams by at least 20 points. Who's my pick? Although my heart may be the leader of my decision, my head still also tells me that Michigan will win the national title tonight.
For starters like I said, people have doubted Michigan's toughness almost from the start. Many thought it was doubtful that the Wolverines would make it past the dominant zone defense of Syracuse and they beat the Orange 61-56; a final score that isn't really indicative of the job they did handling that defense. Second, when many people think of Michigan they think Trey Burke, but he isn't this squad's only pathway to victory. What he is able to do against other teams always gives the Wolverines the best chance to win but if it wasn't for freshman guard Nik Stauskus, who ultimately finished with 22 points, stepping up in light of Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr. struggling offensively, the Wolverines wouldn't have made it past the Gators. This past Saturday Trey Burke was 1-for-8 from the field against Syracuse and it was Mitch McGary and Tim Hardaway Jr. that stepped up to the plate and allowed the Wolverines to prevail. With that being said, I'm sure Burke is looking to redeem himself as he is due for a great game. What better stage than the one set tonight?
Make no mistake about it though, Louisville presents a real problem with Russ Smith averaging 25 points per game in this tournament and shooting 50 percent. As a team, Louisville is also connecting on 49.4 percent of their shots. The Cardinals have averaged 10.8 steals per game this season, second in the nation only to VCU. Petyon Siva was 1-for-9 in the Cardinals stealth victory over Wichita State on Saturday so he may be anxious for redemption as well.
Tonight is sure to be a great game. Regardless of whichever team cuts down the nets, I don't expect the point margin to exceed 7 points. I'm pretty sure, and can only hope, that this match-up isn't as much of a disappointment as the BCS National Championship game this year. Tune in to CBS tonight at 9:23 pm live from Atlanta's Georgia Dome to find out if the Cardinals or Wolverines name will go before the hashtag #HailTheVictors tonight. Let's Go BLUE!
Sources: NCAA, ESPN
You make a valid argument for Michigan but the Florida team the face was completely horrendous on the offensive end! I don't care how good your defense is your inability to covert Layups and frees throws will derail any chance at winning in the tourney! Louisville is my pick just becuase of the demeanor they play with. They don't seem to be rattled even when down 12 with a few minutes on the clock in the final four game against Wichita. They found away even after witnessing the gruesome injury of their teammate! Not to mention they have a coach that has been here before and he is having the week of his life! I see the cards cutting down the nets but I could be wrong, we shall see tonight!
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