LONGHORNS — ORANGEMEN

Tomorrow – 8:47 p.m. Ch. 2, WFAN (660 AM) or WBBR (1130 AM) Line: Texas -3

CENTER

Texas’ James Thomas vs. Syracuse’s Craig Forth

Both players have a tendency to get into foul trouble but if Thomas, a forward who plays center, can avoid the whistle, he is one of the most athletic and physical big men in the country. Forth has not been aggressive in the tournament, a flaw Thomas will exploit.

EDGE: TEXAS

POWER FORWARD

Texas’ Brian Boddicker vs. Syracuse’s Hakim Warrick

Boddicker’s improvement throughout the season has been impressive and his jumper allows him to pull opposing forwards away from the basket. Warrick is on the verge of stardom; a long 6-8 player who has small forward quickness.

EDGE: SYRACUSE

SMALL FORWARD

Texas’ Brandon Mouton vs. Syracuse’s Carmelo Anthony

Mouton is an all-around solid player. He also can be an excellent defender. Anthony is without peer, especially if he plays two halves as he did against Oklahoma. Mouton must keep Anthony off the offensive glass, which is where he goes when struggling.

EDGE: SYRACUSE

SHOOTING GUARD

Texas’ Royal Ivey vs. Syracuse’s Kueth Duany

If Ivey has one problem as a shooting guard, it’s that he doesn’t always shoot enough. Against Syracuse’s 2-3, his ability to slash could be huge. Duany did not play well in the first two rounds but bounced back in the regional semis and finals. His experience could be key:

EDGE: TEXAS

POINT GUARD

Texas’ T.J. Ford vs. Syracuse’s Gerry McNamara

Ford should be the most exciting player in New Orleans. He can take over a game with his quickness and passing. Someone forgot to tell McNamara he’s a freshman. He’s a much better shooter than Ford but the key will be if he can prevent Ford from penetrating.

EDGE: TEXAS

BENCHES

Brad Buckman provides frontcourt offense for Texas; Jason Klotz is a banger. Sydmill Harris (7-of-17 on 3s) could be the key extra shooter against the Syracuse 2-3 and Deginald Erskin does a little of everything. Syracuse’s Billy Edelin has been terrific and Josh Pace has excelled in the fullcourt game. Jeremy McNeil can alter a game with his shot-blocking.

EDGE: EVEN

THE COACHES

Texas’ Rick Barnes vs. Syracuse’s Jim Boeheim

Barnes picked up where Tom Penders left off and has taken Texas basketball to another level. Now Barnes faces another level – his first Final Four. Boeheim is making his third appearance. He’s comfortable and confident. FYI: It’s not coaching but Texas has improved its foul shooting to 78 percent in the tourney.

EDGE: SYRACUSE

THE PREDICTION

TEXAS 77, SYRACUSE 72

***

UT — SU

Record — 26-6 — 28-5

Avg. Pts. — 79.2 — 79.1

Opp. Avg. Pts. — 68.9 — 68.9

Margin — 10.3 — 10.2

FG Pct. — .446 — .473

Opp. FG Pct. — .411 — .387

3-Pt. FG Pct. — .352 — .330

Opp. 3-Pt. FG Pct. — .345 — .302

3-Pt. FG-Game — 5.8 — 5.1

Opp. 3-Pt. FG-Game — 6.0 — 6.8

FT Pct. — .725 — .693

Rebound margin — 7.2 — 3.2

Turnover differential — 0.8 — 0.7

Avg Steals — 6.3 — 8.5

Avg Blocks — 3.7 — 7.2