Final Four Picks

Top Picks:

Louisville +8.5 and Lville/Kentucky under 138

Ohio St -3 vs Kansas

Louisville- Everyone knows the rivalry aspect between these schools and the rivalry between Calipari and Pitino makes it even a better story line. I do think the intense rivalry favors Louisville in a big way. Kentucky is a big favorite and Calipari is considered one the premier elite coaches. L'ville is the underdog and Pitino is no longer considered one of the top dogs in the coaching game.

Believe me, Pitino will use these perceptions to his advantage and will keep his kids loose. Calipari will try to keep his team from buying into the hype and has put a nice front out there making it seem he is loose but he knows losing this one will be a major blow for him and Kentucky.

For the x and o's, L'ville absolutely will not get into a running game with Kentucky and if they can shoot a high percentage early and get an early lead then Kentucky will be vulnerable. If Kentucky gets off to a fast start then L'ville will still play the slow down game and try to get Kentucky to miss shots and creep back into the game which is opposite of what Baylor tried to to.

I do like L'ville to win this game straight up and expect a white knuckle finish and look for Pitino to flash the trademark smile as his teams takes this one in a low scoring slugfest.

Ohio St- I was on the right side last week with both Ohio St and Kansas as they exploited matchups. This week thee matchups are pretty even and the difference will come down to composure. Kansas has shown that they do not thrive in half court games when they have to consistently run plays and execute in the half court.

Kansas will try to push the tempo and get Ohio st to run and open the game up. I like the buckeyes to take advantage of this and push it when it is opportune but also slow it up to control the tempo. The point guard matchup has been much ballyhooed with good reason. i like Kansas' Tyshawn Taylor to win the stats title however Ohio St's Craft will be in charge of the tempo and controlling the game. If Craft can handle the pressure of that role and make good decisions then the Buckeyes will prevail

This should be a good game but between's Sullinger's overall leadership and skill and Craft ensuring the game plan gets executed, the Buckeye's prevail and cover.