Final Four Predictions

The time has come, I suppose, to make my Final Four picks. Here we go. Feel free to rag me mercilessly if/when I get these wrong:

Florida vs. George Mason
Does the slipper still fit? George Mason is playing with house money at this point, because obviously no one expected them to get this far, and now lots and lots of people feel Florida will win it all. As for me, I think George Mason has played better than any other team in the Tourney. They've got good balance, and they've played solid enough defense. That being said, I'm not sure they'll be able to score enough on Florida. Unlike everyone else they've played, Florida's big men can score very well. Noah and Horford are athletic, good offensively and defensively, and can get out and run. In the guard matchup, I think the Gators' guards will be able to put pressure on them to make the entry passes more difficult, and to stop open looks.

Another thing to watch for in this game is that it may very well be the worst annocuning job ever in the history of sports. Seriously, there's going to be lots of butt-kissing by Nantz to the committee and Mid-Majors, and Packer will remain silent throughout these times. I think you could make a drinking game out of this... drink every time there's an akward moment. It should be very entertaining.

Florida 71, George Mason 64


UCLA vs. LSU
For being the highest seed left in the Tourney, UCLA's not getting much respect. I'm sure this has something to do with their style of play, and the fact that Big Baby & Tyrus Thomas are really fun to watch. Thomas can absolutely jump of the gym, and cause lots of problems on both ends of the court. However, I'm not sure his half-court game is quite that good yet. Yes, he showed a decent jump shot against Texas which gave him more room, but I don't think he can consistently hit the 15 footer at this point in his career.

If any team scores 60 points in this game, I'd be shocked. They both play slow, and they are exceptionally good defensively. I think we'll see UCLA just clog up the lane and dare players other than Darrel Mitchell shoot, and I don't think Temple and T. Mitchell can consistently hit shots. Although Hollins and Mata for UCLA got a little bruised up in practice, both should play, and this provides UCLA with the depth up front they need to slow down LSU. Offensively, I think UCLA will have lots of trouble scoring, but I can see Farmar hitting a big shot late to put UCLA on top.

UCLA 57, LSU 55