POINT GUARD
LSU’s Darrell Mitchell vs. UCLA’s Jordan Farmar: If not for Mitchell’s last-second 3 against Texas A&M, the Tigers aren’t in the Final Four. Not great with the ball (17 assists, 12 turnovers) which could be a problem. Farmar is more of a classic PG but he too has struggled (17 assists, 15 turnovers). If Farmar doesn’t win this matchup, UCLA doesn’t win.
Edge: UCLA
SHOOTING GUARD
LSU’s Tasmin Mitchell vs. UCLA’s Cedric Bozeman: Mitchell’s shot is off, but the freshman is playing with poise (17 assists, 8 turnovers, 20 rebounds, 5 steals). Bozeman is the Bruins’ senior leader but his shot (1-of-8 on 3’s) has gone missing. Still helps in other areas – 19 boards, 13 assists.
Edge: Even
SMALL FORWARD
LSU’s Garrett Temple vs. UCLA’s Aaron Afflalo: Temple made his mark in this tourney on defense when he forced Duke’s J.J. Redick into 3-of-18 shooting. A glue guy who does a little of everything. Afflalo is basketball’s version of a five-tool player and can be explosive.
Edge: UCLA
POWER FORWARD
LSU’s Tyrus Thomas vs. UCLA’s L.R. Mbah a Moute: By missing the SEC Tournament with a sprained ankle, Thomas has had the freshest legs of any big man (37 rebounds, 14 blocks) in the tourney. Mbah a Moute is a coach’s dream. Takes good shots, physical, plays great defense.
Edge: LSU
CENTER
LSU’s Glen Davis vs. UCLA’s Ryan Hollins: Big Baby is the unstoppable force and Hollins has suffered four years of criticism for being too soft. He’s gotten tough under coach Ben Howland but the 7-foot senior must be at his most physical best. Davis must avoid foul trouble.
Edge: LSU
BENCH INTANGIBLES
Darnell Lazare is like a sixth starter for LSU but there isn’t much after him. UCLA has more depth but the Bruins are shooting a horrific 60.6 percent from the line. Both of these squads have reason to believe they are teams of destiny. UCLA came from 17 back to beat Gonzaga. LSU needed a last-second 3 from Mitchell to survive A&M.
Edge: Even
COACHING
LSU’s James Brady vs. UCLA’s Ben Howland: Brady’s loosey-goosey let’s-have-fun approach plays on the Bayou and with his players. That shouldn’t be discounted. Nor should his 6-3 tournament record. Howland had no time outs left and Gonzaga shooting the double bonus, yet brought UCLA back. He’s instilled the same toughness we see in the Pittsburgh program.
Edge: UCLA
PREDICTION
UCLA 63
LSU 61
Favorite: LSU
Line (O U): 2 (122 1 2)
Underdog: UCLA
TV: Ch. 2, 8:47 p.m.
Radio: WFAN (660)
LSU UCLA
27-8 Record 31-6
73.9 Avg. Points 68.3
64.0 Opp. Avg. Points 58.6
9.9 Margin 9.6
.468 FG Pct. .478
.398 Opp. FG Pct. .417
.328 3-pt. FG Pct. .352
.346 Opp. 3-pt. FG Pct. .333
4.2 3-pt. FG/game 6.2
6.5 Opp. 3-pt FG/game 4.6
.698 FT Pct. .690
8.3 Rebound Margin 4.4
0.4 Turnover Differential 0.1
8.3 Avg. Steals 5.7
6.5 Avg. Blocks 2.8
