Breaking Down the Kentucky - UConn Game

Kentucky is in their first Final Four since 1998 thanks to an amazing run by a group of players determined to play and win as a team.  Every game in this tournament has been a battle and I expect nothing less today when they take on the Connecticut Huskies.  There are going to be a few key areas that will help determine the outcome of this game.
Deandre Liggins must make Kemba Walker work for his points.  Kemba has found a way to score in almost every game this season.  He hasn't reached 20 points in only 12 games and didn't get to double figures only once.  Kemba is going to get his points...it just becomes a matter if Liggins can harass him and force him to shoot 8-25 instead of 15-25. 

Darius Miller must not lose focus in the game.  Miller will most likely be on Jeremy Lamb and can not afford to simply get lost on the court.  Lamb has stepped up in this tournament to be a dynamic second option to Walker.  Miller must guard him close but Darius must also be aggressive on the offensive end to try and get Lamb in foul trouble.  The difference in this game may be whether Lamb gets 20 points or 8.  

Kentucky must rebound.  Connecticut averages 43 rebounds a game which was good for second in the Big East.  In the tournament the Cats have done an excellent job of controlling the boards.  Josh Harrellson must match/dominate Alex Oriakhi and Terrence Jones must find his place on this team both on the offensive and defensive ends.

The Cats have stepped up in every game of this tournament and have showed an ability to pull out close games.  In the end I expect Kentucky to pull out another close one with the Cats being the enemy of the world in a matchup against one of the Cinderella teams.

Prediction:   Kentucky 72  Connecticut 67