[1] Kansas (36-3) vs. [1] Memphis (38-1)
9:21 p.m., Chs. 9, 13, Alamodome, San Antonio
Breaking down Kansas
The Jayhawks’ path to victory Saturday was stunningly simplistic — force North Carolina to make four passes on each possession. Kansas worked it perfectly, keeping the Tar Heels out of transition for much of the night while doubling and tripling down on Tyler Hansbrough. Expect to see more of the same against Memphis, another up-tempo team that loves to run. Although Mario Chalmers is probably the Jayhawks’ best player based on a careful statistical analysis, Brandon Rush is their most talented. The junior carved up North Carolina for 25 points and could get a chance at an encore. A less-heralded development for Kansas was the steadiness of freshman Cole Aldrich in the middle. The Jayhawks could use another four blocks and seven rebounds from Aldrich as part of an inside rotation against Joey Dorsey and Robert Dozier.
Breaking down Memphis
Go ahead and love or hate coach John Calipari. But it is undeniable he built an impressive team based upon a boundless posse of athletes and more than enough rugged interior players to keep opponents honest. Guards Derrick Rose and Chris Douglas-Roberts were phenomenal in Saturday’s semifinal demolition of UCLA, but they (and guard Antonio Anderson) were just as good on defense. As for strategy, the Tigers capably attacked the basket and will give it another go tonight since Kansas gladly will engage them in an up-and-down tempo. Douglas-Roberts (23.6 points) and Rose (21.4 points) have been unstoppable throughout the tournament, and the Tigers’ most dreaded foe — the free throw line — has not hindered them, either. Memphis is shooting a solid 70.2 percent at the foul line, but that doesn’t matter with a 15.2-point average victory margin.
Matchup to watch
Kansas G Brandon Rush vs. Memphis G Chris Douglas-Roberts
Behold two long, wiry pro prospects capable of devastating opponents in the open court. Rush likely will draw the assignment of containing CDR, though Memphis might deploy Antonio Anderson (fresh off holding UCLA’s Darren Collison to two points) on Rush. If either Rush or Douglas-Roberts can match his Saturday production, chances are good his team will win.
Prediction: Memphis has supplied enough proof it is not merely a collection of athletes over the last two weeks. With a favorable pace, the Tigers will emerge with an 79-70 victory.
— Patrick Stevens
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