- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,130,401
- Reaction score
- 59
James Hawkins, Connor Earegood, John Niyo and Bob Wojnowski of The Detroit News predict the outcome of Saturday's Final Four game between Michigan and Arizona (8:49 p.m., TBS/TruTV).
▶ James Hawkins: This game feels more like the one that’s going to determine the national champion than the actual NCAA Tournament final. Arizona and Michigan have been a class above the rest all season long and they’ve continued to prove it in the Big Dance, with all their wins coming by a double-digit margin. They mirror one another in stats and style, from their imposing frontcourts and strong inside game to their stifling defenses and array of offensive weapons. Michigan can beat anyone if it knocks down double-digit 3s, but that’s a tough ask against Arizona. And if this heavyweight fight goes the distance, the Wildcats have one of the best closers and clutch performers — Jaden Bradley — in their corner. Pick: Arizona, 77-75
▶ Connor Earegood: There are no misunderstandings between these two teams. They know each other's style. They know each other's habits. They know that whoever wins this one is probably winning the national championship, and the other will go home pondering why it didn't have enough. In the case of Arizona, it's 3-point shooting, where Michigan has a certain edge but also takes about nine more shots per game. A cold night of shooting against a firm defense or an off night from point guard Elliot Cadeau could put the Wolverines in a bind, as could foul trouble. Then again, the same could be said about the Wildcats, whose offense really hinges on freshman Brayden Burries to create. He and fellow five-star Koa Peat are wise beyond their single year of college hoops, but there's no pressure like that they'll face Saturday night. This is expected to be one of the toughest Final Four matchups ever, as KenPom will tell you. I don't think I'm saying anything crazy guessing it'll come down to the final shot. Pick: Arizona 75-73
▶ John Niyo: These are the two best defenses in the country. But they’re also the biggest challenge the other will face all season, and it’s not a stretch to say this semifinal likely will decide the national champion. Michigan won’t be able to dominate in the paint the way it has throughout the season, because Arizona’s two-big lineup is just as imposing, if not more so. The Wildcats scored a whopping 60 points in the paint in their Sweet 16 win over Arkansas. And facing a team that led the nation in free-throw attempts this season, the Wolverines can’t afford to have Aday Mara or Morez Johnson Jr. get into early foul trouble. If there’s an X-factor here, it’s Michigan’s 3-point shooting. They’re knocking down 45 percent of their attempts thus far in the NCAA tourney, and while the looks won’t be nearly as clean Saturday night, the Wolverines may need double-digit makes again if they’re going to advance to the championship game. Problem is, that’s something Arizona has allowed only a half-dozen times all season. Pick: Arizona, 83-80
▶ Bob Wojnowski: Power on power, size on size. The two best teams in the bracket, by stats and by sight. Michigan has one significant edge – 3-point shooting. Arizona takes among the fewest attempts in the country, while the Wolverines have heated up, hitting 45% of their 3s in the Tournament. The Wildcats have great guards, led by leading scorer Brayden Burries, and a big fella in 7-2 Motiejus Krivas. The defensive impact of Krivas and UM’s 7-3 Aday Mara will be pivotal. This very well could come down to foul trouble, and Arizona draws more fouls and shoots more free throws than any team in America. Yaxel Lendeborg might be more effective scoring from outside, rather than driving into the Wildcats’ strength. Arizona has the better inside game but Michigan is more balanced with its perimeter attack. Hang on, it’s coming down to a 3-pointer, and Lendeborg will hit it. Pick: Michigan, 83-81
NO. 1 MICHIGAN VS. NO. 1 ARIZONA
▶ What: NCAA Tournament Final Four game
▶ When: Saturday, 8:49 p.m.
▶ Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
▶ TV: TBS/TruTV
▶ Records: Michigan 35-3, Arizona 36-2
▶ At stake: Spot in national championship game vs. UConn-Illinois winner
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Predictions for Michigan vs. Arizona in NCAA Tournament Final Four
Continue reading...
Predictions for Michigan vs. Arizona in Final Four
▶ James Hawkins: This game feels more like the one that’s going to determine the national champion than the actual NCAA Tournament final. Arizona and Michigan have been a class above the rest all season long and they’ve continued to prove it in the Big Dance, with all their wins coming by a double-digit margin. They mirror one another in stats and style, from their imposing frontcourts and strong inside game to their stifling defenses and array of offensive weapons. Michigan can beat anyone if it knocks down double-digit 3s, but that’s a tough ask against Arizona. And if this heavyweight fight goes the distance, the Wildcats have one of the best closers and clutch performers — Jaden Bradley — in their corner. Pick: Arizona, 77-75
▶ Connor Earegood: There are no misunderstandings between these two teams. They know each other's style. They know each other's habits. They know that whoever wins this one is probably winning the national championship, and the other will go home pondering why it didn't have enough. In the case of Arizona, it's 3-point shooting, where Michigan has a certain edge but also takes about nine more shots per game. A cold night of shooting against a firm defense or an off night from point guard Elliot Cadeau could put the Wolverines in a bind, as could foul trouble. Then again, the same could be said about the Wildcats, whose offense really hinges on freshman Brayden Burries to create. He and fellow five-star Koa Peat are wise beyond their single year of college hoops, but there's no pressure like that they'll face Saturday night. This is expected to be one of the toughest Final Four matchups ever, as KenPom will tell you. I don't think I'm saying anything crazy guessing it'll come down to the final shot. Pick: Arizona 75-73
▶ John Niyo: These are the two best defenses in the country. But they’re also the biggest challenge the other will face all season, and it’s not a stretch to say this semifinal likely will decide the national champion. Michigan won’t be able to dominate in the paint the way it has throughout the season, because Arizona’s two-big lineup is just as imposing, if not more so. The Wildcats scored a whopping 60 points in the paint in their Sweet 16 win over Arkansas. And facing a team that led the nation in free-throw attempts this season, the Wolverines can’t afford to have Aday Mara or Morez Johnson Jr. get into early foul trouble. If there’s an X-factor here, it’s Michigan’s 3-point shooting. They’re knocking down 45 percent of their attempts thus far in the NCAA tourney, and while the looks won’t be nearly as clean Saturday night, the Wolverines may need double-digit makes again if they’re going to advance to the championship game. Problem is, that’s something Arizona has allowed only a half-dozen times all season. Pick: Arizona, 83-80
▶ Bob Wojnowski: Power on power, size on size. The two best teams in the bracket, by stats and by sight. Michigan has one significant edge – 3-point shooting. Arizona takes among the fewest attempts in the country, while the Wolverines have heated up, hitting 45% of their 3s in the Tournament. The Wildcats have great guards, led by leading scorer Brayden Burries, and a big fella in 7-2 Motiejus Krivas. The defensive impact of Krivas and UM’s 7-3 Aday Mara will be pivotal. This very well could come down to foul trouble, and Arizona draws more fouls and shoots more free throws than any team in America. Yaxel Lendeborg might be more effective scoring from outside, rather than driving into the Wildcats’ strength. Arizona has the better inside game but Michigan is more balanced with its perimeter attack. Hang on, it’s coming down to a 3-pointer, and Lendeborg will hit it. Pick: Michigan, 83-81
NCAA Tournament
NO. 1 MICHIGAN VS. NO. 1 ARIZONA
▶ What: NCAA Tournament Final Four game
▶ When: Saturday, 8:49 p.m.
▶ Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
▶ TV: TBS/TruTV
▶ Records: Michigan 35-3, Arizona 36-2
▶ At stake: Spot in national championship game vs. UConn-Illinois winner
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Predictions for Michigan vs. Arizona in NCAA Tournament Final Four
Continue reading...
