Michigan and UConn meet up for the national championship game tonight. The big question is whether UConn can keep the game competitive with the Wolverines. I would argue that they cannot. The big reason for this statement is that Michigan shot the ball from outside very well, while UConn struggled mightily in their semifinal game on Saturday. Also, Michigan is a very physical team which should be troubling for UConn’s best player, Tarris Reed Jr. Aday Mara and Morez Johnson Jr. are both physical inside players for Michigan, especially on the defensive end. They both had excellent games for the Wolverines on Saturday headlined by Mara’s spectacular offensive performance. Getting back to shooting, UConn struggled mightily trying to make outside shots against Illinois on Saturday. Their shooting was so poor that it artificially let Illinois stay in the game with them. Because of the dome environment in Indianapolis, shooting can be very hit or miss for team’s in the Final Four. UConn better get used to the dome environment for shooting the basketball, because if they don’t this could be a rout.

Another issue for the Huskies is that they will be without starting point guard Solo Ball for tonight’s game. Ball is not a great scorer, but is effective with most of the ball handling duties for the Huskies. While Michigan will not have a fully healthy Yaxel Lendenborg for tonight’s game, they have already proved they can win without him playing a major role. Michigan just feels like a dominant team that has been at or near the top of the basketball rankings all year.

I actually picked UConn to win the championship with the bracket that I filled out. However, I didn’t realize how dominant a team Michigan would turn out to be this tournament. I am holding out hope that tonight’s game will be competitive, but reality seems to be screaming otherwise.

By: Jason Grant