NCAA Basketball Championship Game - Atlanta, Georgia

#4 Michigan (31-7) vs. #1 Louisville (34-5)

When the Final Four pairings were set last weekend, this matchup between Michigan and Louisville was clearly the sexiest. Both teams are filled with stars, and play a quick, exciting brand of basketball.

Michigan and Syracuse was predictably ugly at times, but the Wolverines got off to a hot start and were able to hold on to a win. As I predicted, they were able to defeat the Orange zone by doing what they do best, hitting their three pointers. In what was a theme for the evening, they also received contributions from unlikely places in Caris LeVert and Spike Albrecht.

Louisville was completely outplayed by Wichita State for the first 30 minutes of their game and trailed by as much as 12 points. Things were looking bleak, but then walk-on Tim Henderson, only playing because of the injury to Kevin Ware, hit two huge three pointers. Then, much maligned Cardinals player Luke Hancock took over the game, making plays on both the offensive and defensive ends, as the Louisville escaped with a victory.

Louisville is the favorite going into this game but the Shockers showed that although the Cardinals have been hot the last few months, they are certainly beatable. Only four players really showed up for Louisville in that Final Four game. Russ Smith, basically just through sheer volume of shooting, led the team with 21 points, Chane Behanan added offense when needed most and played well defensively, and as mentioned above Henderson and Hancock made huge momentum swinging plays. Gorgui Deng, Wayne Blackshear and Peyton Siva might as well have been listed as missing on milk cartons as they did very little. Henderson and Hancock aren't guys that have been known for carrying the team this season, so Louisville has to hope that Deng and Siva round into form tonight and look more like the players we are used to seeing.

Player of the Year candidate Trey Burke did very little for the Wolverines in their win against Syracuse. The player of the game yet again was emerging freshman Mitch McGary. The big man even led the team in assists, dishing out six dimes. Tim Hardaway's shooting struggles continued, while Nick Stauskas didn't even hit a bucket. Some of that had to do with the Syracuse defense, but for Michigan to upset Louisville tonight, the offense has to be much sharper. Glenn Robinson III has been very consistent throughout the tournament, and his steady play was key in helping Michigan not to blow their lead against Syracuse.

Louisville's defense is all about pressure, so it will be up to the Michigan guards Burke and Hardaway Jr. to protect the ball and avoid making too many turnovers. Turnovers are what doomed the Shockers late in the Final Four game, and avoiding them is what got them out to a 12-point lead. It will be interesting to watch how Deng handles McGary inside. McGary would seem to be far too athletic for Deng to handle, so he could have a huge game. With that being said, I think the struggles of Hardaway Jr. will finally come back to bite Michigan. I think that Burke will have a tough time getting anything going, as will Stauskas. The lack of contribution from those guards will be too much for Michigan to overcome. I expect Siva to play much better this game, and Smith to not force as much and let the game come more to him. Michigan will hit some threes and the Cardinals have to accept that, but I don't think Louisville will allow them to catch fire. I expect to see some bad shots and jitters to start the game, but then the game to settle into a nice, exciting pace. I picked Louisville before the Tournament started and I see no reason to move away from that pick now. Rick Pitino will become the first coach to win a national championship with two different teams as the Cardinals cut down the nets tonight.

Prediction: Louisville 75, Michigan 69