Memphis v. Kansas
Monday night the Tigers face the Jayhawks, in what may be the most anticipated match-up in finals history. The Tigers are 38-1 with the most wins ever in a season, and are looking to win their first National Championship. Kansas is looking for its first title since 1988, and is in the finals for the first time since Coach Roy Williams left Lawrence for Chapel Hill.Despite the hype and the similarities of both squads, Memphis and Kansas love the fast break, I do not believe this game will live up to its potential. This year, and at this time in the year, Memphis is just the better team. Not to mention Memphis is only getting better as we watch.
The winningest team in college history beat the Bruins of UCLA by 15 in a game which they played with poise and confidence and never let up. Derrick Rose and Chris Douglas-Roberts put on an incredible show and looked as if they were trying out for the NBA rather than playing the most important game of their lives. The pair combined for 53 points and 24 rebounds, and led the Tigers who were 20 of 23 from the foul line. Joey Dorsey had 0 points; however he kept Love out of the paint and grabbed 15 rebounds.
Kansas, despite a victory last night, does not deserve the chance to play for the title tomorrow 
night. After leading 40 to 12 in the first half the Jayhawks crumbled and let the Heels crawl to within 17 at the break. KU was lucky the UNC Tarheels had a slow start Saturday, because despite what people thought was a good show in the first half, the Jays only won the second half by 1, 40-39. The Tarheels weren’t making good decisions. Hansbrough, who had 17 points, didn’t play his usually game on Saturday. The kid is known for his acrobatic shots and his ability to read his chance and dish the ball outside. In the first half Tyler panicked and tried to play through the triple team as opposed to hitting on of the two open men. With 7 minutes left in the first half number 50 got his head on straight and from that point on the Heels were on top of the Hawks 54-44.On Monday the Tigers will shred the Jayhawks in route to their first title ever. The Kansas team had a week to prepare for UNC, and was only able to win 13 minutes of that game. Memphis has maintained its speed and tempo throughout the tournament, and has stayed with its game plan since the season started. Kansas has had to alter its game several times this tournament. The Jayhawks have to change again if they plan to beat the Tigers. Both Kansas and Memphis like to run, but with Dorsey, Douglas-Roberts, and Rose, the Tigers have more power in their running game. For Kansas to win they have to slow the ball down and keep it out of the paint on defense. Saturday’s game made it clear to the world that one day was not enough time for the Jayhawks to learn how to do this. In a week, they barely changed their game and prepared for the Tarheels, in a day it is even less likely that we will see them make the necessary fixes to pull ahead of the roaring Tigers.
The Mind Says: Memphis over Kansas 80-64
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