Final Futility

     Well...that's what it feels like. I mean, I was close, until Nova lost. And until Kansas lost, Kansas State Lost, and John Wall and his squad turned out to have two left feet. So now we stand with:

#5 MSU

#5 Butler

and

#2 WVU

#1 Duke

     Squaring off tonight for our viewing pleasure. It's not quite what we expected, but should be thrilling nonetheless.

Instead of recycling the angles on every site (Butler isn't George Mason, don't try that here), I'm going to go ahead and point out four thoughts for each team, and toss out my predictions




1. Kevin Jones

The big's been throwing up a dandy 14-7 this whole season, and shooting 40% from treland. Assuming Mazzulla can't repeat his magic against Duke, this guy, who always seems to fly under coach's radars, needs to step up. WVU has enough length and athleticism to challenge Duke's shooting with their zone, but they'll need a strong day from Kevin to deal with my next point

2. Duke is really good at shooting, and they have three giants

Everybody talks about Duke's big three, but they neglect the real BIG three. Zoubek, and the Plumlees. They may only average about 15 points, 16 boards, and 3 blocks a game, but they also happen to be about 7' each. They're a rotating torture chamber of fouls, and, specifically with the Plumlees, the one-or-two "Did that uncoordinated white center just do that?" athletic moments a game that can distract WVU enough for th other big three to wreak havoc.

3. Delvon Roe

OHIO PRODUCT DISAPPOINTMENT

Granted, that dunk was awesome...but there needs to be more from this St. Ed's standout. I remember seeing him in high-school. He's the only player I've been lucky to see at that level that I knew would be on national television soon. So when I see him consistently NOT break double figures, it upsets me. Tom Izzo will have them ready to play, but Roe has to be ready to win.

4. Butler's Sixth Man

May not be as friendly as you think. The final four crowds are always partial to winning, and crazy plays. Sure, the local product may be the favorite, but Butler doesn't play in Indianapolis. Most people in that stadium will have only seen the Bulldogs play once or twice. That doesn't put them on their side, at all.

That being said...

Butler advances

Duke advances

Duke, National Champions