OFFICIAL Final Four Preview/Predictions Thread - Kentucky/UConn/VCU/Butler

(11) Virginia Commonwealth vs. (8) Butler, 6:09 PM ET, CBS

(4) Kentucky vs. (3) Connecticut, 8:49 PM ET, CBS


Should be two very good games, regardless of the quality of teams. I'm excited for next weekend.

In the first game, I think Butler comes out on top, although it should be close throughout.

The way Butler hedges and plays 1 on 2 down low, it will be hard for VCU to beat them. They should be able to guard the three-point line off the dribble pretty well.

Butler is a much better defensive team than Kansas.

However, VCU will be able to counter with their versatile bigs. When teams like Florida and Pitt played Butler, they would always roll their screeners to the basket after the screen, which would allow Howard or Smith to play both men down low.

But if VCU does a lot of pick-and-pops instead, this could give Butler some trouble. The Butler defender down low would have to step out on him and leave a guy open under the basket, causing Butler to have to rotate ever more. OR the Butler defender wouldn't go out on the VCU big on the perimeter, giving them open 3-point looks (which is what they will need to win the game).

It could be interesting. I'll still go with Butler, but I expect it to be close.

In the 2nd game, I like Kentucky to beat UConn. UConn hasn't faced a team with not only this much talent, but a true big man in Harrelson down low. I think he will give their athletic bigs some trouble. Knight has been solid in the tournament, and I think that will continue.

But honestly, this game could go completely the other direction if Kemba Walker comes out on fire and scores 30 points. He will be the best player on the floor, and UConn has been doing it for the last 3 weeks despite people saying they couldn't. Seems like truly a toss-up game.


Early Lines:

Kentucky (-2) vs. UConn

Butler (-2.5) vs. VCU