Final Four Preview

We've got two compelling matchups in the Final Four on Saturday. Here's how I see them:

#5 Butler vs. #5 Michigan State (6:07 p.m.)
Butler continues to ride its long winning streak, playing very solid on both ends. They are the type of team that doesn't look very athletic but surprises you with the plays they can make. Gordon Hayward is the standout: he can play inside or outside. And Butler can really clamp down on you on defense. I think the matchup that provides a problem for Butler is Michigan State's Draymond Green. The big guy can bring the ball up the court, and he can go in the low block and post up. He is going to be a tough cover for Matt Howard. I feel like with a week to prepare, Tom Izzo will have a good defensive gameplan for Butler, and the Spartans will win a close one.

#1 Duke vs. #2 West Virginia (8:47 p.m.)
This is the marquee matchup of the day. West Virginia is playing in its first Final Four since 1959. Duke has been there many times since then. Both teams put a lot of emphasis on defense. West Virginia really clamped down on Kentucky and forced them into way too many outside shots. The problem with that in this game is that Duke is a much better three point shooting team than Kentucky. Where West Virginia has the advantage, though, is its physicality. They can outmuscle Duke's big guys on the glass and get second chance opportunities. Duke has played well in the tournament, but they haven't played a team as good as West Virginia. I give the edge to the Mountaineers.