Florida-UConn matchups
Backcourt: All eyes will be on the must-see matchup at point guard between the two teams’ most valuable players, Florida’s Scottie Wilbekin and UConn’s Shabazz Napier. But the winner of the shooting-guard battle — sharpshooter Michael Frazier II against speedster Ryan Boatright — could decide which team advances. Both players are capable of catching fire at any moment. Edge: Even
Frontcourt: Based on sheer ability, the best player in this group is UConn junior DeAndre Daniels, a 6-foot-9 gazelle with limitless range and pogo stick-like leaping ability. Niels Giffey is a zone-buster and Phil Nolan’s value lies at the defensive end and on the glass. Florida senior Patric Young is built like a defensive end and uses that superior strength inside, while Gators leading scorer Casey Prather was one of the nation’s most improved players, a 6-6 wing who does virtually all of his scoring below the free-throw line. Edge: Even
Bench: UConn has received nice contributions throughout the postseason from point guard Terrence Samuel, a Brooklyn product, and 7-foot shot-blocking specialist Amida Brimah. Florida, though, has more firepower and depth. Freshman point guard Kasey Hill has become vital with his dribble penetration and on-ball pressure, Dorian Finney-Smith is a force on the glass and a weapon from 3-point land and freshman big man Chris Walker, an NBA prospect, makes his impact felt in the paint. Edge: Florida
Coaching: Kevin Ollie’s has done yeoman’s work in just two seasons in Storrs, but this is new territory for the former NBA guard. Billy Donovan, meanwhile, might be the best coach in the sport, and the Long Island product has two titles and four Final Four berths to prove it. Edge: Florida
Intangibles: The Gators haven’t lost since Dec. 2, when Napier beat them at the buzzer, haven’t been tested in the tournament and have that look of invincibility. Florida’s four core seniors are on a mission, desperate to go out champions. UConn won the first meeting, but Florida was shorthanded then, without Hill and Walker, and the Huskies hit 11 3-pointers, a performance we won’t see replicated Saturday night. Edge: Florida
Prediction: Florida 71, UConn 63
Florida is the best team in the country, rock solid on the defensive end with a plethora of offensive weapons capable of taking over a game. UConn has gone on a stunning run to get here, but the magic runs out Saturday night. Wilbekin locks up Napier late and Frazier sinks a few momentum-turning 3-pointers as Florida extends its winning streak to 31 games, gaining retribution for the Dec. 2 loss to the Huskies.
Wisconsin-Kentucky matchups
Backcourt: Wisconsin’s three-guard lineup (Ben Brust, Traevon Jackson, Josh Gasser) leads one of the nation’s most efficient offenses and rarely turns it over, but the Harrison twins’ superior size, strength and athleticism will be an issue all game. A bigger problem is Kentucky’s season-long weakness — 33 percent 3-point shooting — is suddenly a strength, with Aaron Harrison and James Young shooting a combined 50 percent on 3-pointers during the NCAA Tournament. Edge: Kentucky
Frontcourt: It’s no coincidence Kentucky has won the rebounding battle in each game and won each time. The Wildcats have the No. 1 offensive-rebounding team in the nation and could dominate on the glass again, but Wisconsin is ranked 12th in defensive rebounding and could make second chances tough. Neither side will have an answer for Julius Randle or Frank Kaminsky, but the Badgers star is currently playing the best of anyone in this game. His craftiness is the best weapon against Kentucky’s athleticism. Edge: Even
Bench: Even with the ankle injury to Willie Cauley-Stein, Kentucky still has plenty of length and more impact than an extremely thin Wisconsin bench. Wildcats freshman Marcus Lee, who filled in against Michigan after playing a total of 1 minute in the three previous games, helped save the season with 10 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. Edge: Kentucky
Intangibles: Wisconsin has more experience, but no players with the experience of a Final Four. This is new for everyone. At this point, age doesn’t matter. The Wildcats are as battle-tested as any team, following comeback wins over Wichita State, Louisville and Michigan. Edge: Even
Coaching: Bo Ryan, in his first Final Four, has been as consistent as any coach in the country over the past decade, but few can match the credentials of John Calipari, who will be making his fifth Final Four appearance. This may be Calipari’s most impressive job ever, finally having gotten his freshmen to figure out their roles before it was too late. Edge: Kentucky
Prediction: Kentucky 75, Wisconsin 71
Though Wisconsin features its best offense in years, this game would be a great time for the Badgers to reclaim the defensive identity which Ryan instilled for so many seasons. Going up against a Wildcats attack playing at its peak — inside and outside — the Badgers will fall short against a team too talented for just about anyone right now.