March Madness comes to a close tonight in Houston. Per usual, the Big Dance was unpredictable and full of inspiring stories. One team tonight fought through a tough region while another team plowed through the bracket with ease. What team will have their One Shining Moment and cut down the nets? Let’s talk about it.
No. 4 UConn vs. No. 5 San Diego State
San Diego State won their Final Four matchup in dramatic fashion, as Lamont Butler drained a jumper at the buzzer to edge Florida Atlantic by one point. Aztec star Matt Bradley came alive at the right time, dropping 21 points, including four three-pointers. San Diego State found themselves down by seven at the half, but they battled back to win it. The Aztecs got big production from their four bench players as they combined for 27 points and 13 rebounds and provided tough defense down the stretch. For their part, UConn took care of business as they have done all tournament. Their average margin of victory for this tournament is 20.6 points. The Huskies have been dominant, and they dominated Miami in their Final Four matchup. Everyone is a threat on the floor for UConn, and not guarding one of their players as a strategy has proved ineffective. The Aztecs will really have to buckle down on defense if they want a chance to claim the National Championship. UConn should not have to tweak much for this matchup. Adama Sanogo should still be the focus for the Huskies’ offense and play inside out to free up Jordan Hawkins, Tristen Newton, Joey Calcaterra and Alex Karaban. The defense UConn has displayed should keep up as it has each game so far. For San Diego State, they should continue to share the ball on offense and ride the hot hand if anyone gets hot shooting the ball. Their defense is solid, but it is not impossible to score on them. In my opinion, this is UConn’s game to lose, and I do not think they will lose it. The Huskies will roll San Diego State just as they have rolled every other team they have faced.
