Kansas - Memphis Preview

NCAA Tournament Championship Game
Kansas Jayhawks Vs. Memphis Tigers
Monday, April 7 @ 9:21 pm

The Kansas Jayhawks have made it to the NCAA Finals by beating the tournament’s number one seed— the UNC Tar Heels. Despite a few second-half rallies by UNC, the Jayhawks, who led at one point by 28 points, never gave up the lead.

Kansas shot 53% from the floor and 33% from downtown, while UNC hit 36% from the field and 21% from the three-point arc. The Tar Heels were better from the charity stripe, putting in 87% to their opponent’s 79%. But UNC only went to the foul line 15 times, which was not enough to even come close to the Jayhawks. On defense, the Hawks had 9 blocked shots and 10 steals, while they grabbed 7 more rebounds than their opponents.

Guard Brandon Rush outscored everyone with 25 points and forward Darrell Arthur took in 9 rebbies, while scoring 6 points. Guard Sherron Collins put in 11 points, took down 4 rebounds and dished off 4 assists.

The Memphis Tigers dashed UCLA’s hopes for a 12th championship by beating the Bruins 78- 63. Many prognosticators had picked UCLA as the team most likely to win it all this year. At the half, it was close—Memphis 38 and UCLA 35. But in the second half, the Tigers started to pull away slowly but surely, easily winning.

Memphis out shot UCLA 42% to 38% from the field. At the foul line, the Tigers dominated, converting 20 of 23 chances (87%). Although the Bruins hit 85% of their foul shots, they only got 13 opportunities from the charity stripe. Memphis also controlled the boards, taking down 42 rebounds to UCLA’s 35. Overall, both clubs did a good job of holding onto the ball.

Memphis’ guard Chris Douglas-Roberts was massive with 28 points, while guard Derrick Rose threw in 25, grabbed 9 rebounds and had 4 assists. Although forward Joey Dorsey did not score, he pulled down 15 rebounds. Memphis held UCLA star guard Darren Collison to a mere 2 points.

The big showdown happens this Monday. If Memphis can dominate the boards and draw Kansas into foul trouble, they’ll be tough to beat. Kansas’ hot outside shooting could win the day for the Jayhawks. Look for solid defense from both teams.