the kansas jayhawks vs. memphis tigers in the ncaa finals

NCAA Finals: Kansas Jayhawks vs. Memphis Tigers - SBR Forum
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Bill Self vs. John Calipari. Sasha Kaun and Brandon Rush vs. Joey Dorsey and Derrick Rose. Big 12 vs. Conference USA. And it's for all the marbles in college basketball as the season ends in San Antonio.

Memphis point guard Derrick Rose missed Sunday's media sessions after complaining of stomach problems. You'd have problems, too, if you put the same things in your stomach.

The Tigers were quick to allay any fears about Rose missing Monday's title game against the Kansas Jayhawks. You have to wonder, though, how much better Rose would be if he took a more professional approach to his diet – something more well-rounded, like a giant bag of Doritos and a half-gallon of chocolate milk. Hey, I was 19 once.

The gastronomy of youth aside, athletes who give a dedicated effort are more reliable to their teammates – and to handicappers. Memphis has elevated its game over the past three rounds, covering against three increasingly tough opponents in Michigan State (+5½), Texas (+3½) and UCLA (+2½). Before that, however, Memphis was 15-19-2 against the spread and 4-12 ATS in their previous 16 games.

The North Carolina Tar Heels presented handicappers with a similar puzzle going into their Final Four matchup against Kansas. North Carolina's consistency on defense was a question mark going into the Tournament. But the Heels answered with renewed purpose and a perfect 4-0 ATS record – before falling apart in the first half of their semifinal. Kansas was up 40-12 before UNC finally kicked it into gear and closed to within five. That's as close as the Tar Heels would get.

Now the same Kansas Jayhawks, who have been nothing but steady all season at 36-3 straight up and a recession-busting 22-15 ATS, are preparing to meet a Memphis team that was favored by as many as two points at press time. The Tigers opened as a pick ‘em; the total is also drifting upward at many books, with 145.5 points the consensus.

Not to take anything away from the brilliant performance the Tigers gave while thumping UCLA 78-63 in the other semifinal. But Memphis was unusually good from the line on Saturday, going 20-for-23 (87 percent) to move all the way up to No. 329 in Division I at 61.3 percent on the season. This was after sinking 30 of 36 free throws (83.3 percent) against Texas. Like any other game, if the shots are falling, your team is winning.

The Tigers can't afford to revert back to their old free-throw form against the Jayhawks. They are the most efficient team in the league, 4-1 ATS in this Tournament with a deep and balanced lineup. That depth will come in very handy if Kansas needs to start hacking Memphis players – especially Joey Dorsey, who is Mr. Magoo from the charity stripe at 37.8 percent.

Dorsey personifies how things need to go right for the Tigers to get the upper hand Monday. Although he was held scoreless against the Bruins, Dorsey's 15 rebounds (six on offense) and two blocks were significant contributions for Memphis. He has the talent – coach John Calipari believes he can be a 20-10 threat – but as a self-described former “very hyperactive” child who escaped the streets of Baltimore, Dorsey needs a lot of direction from his coach. When Calipari lays it on too thick, Dorsey tenses and loses confidence. Then he gets angry at himself. You won't like him when he gets angry.

The game tips from the Alamodome in San Antonio is scheduled for 9:15 p.m. Eastern Time. CBS has the broadcast rights.

i'd also like to point out (as the story seems to have missed) that the tigers have lost ONE game this season.

so bite me.

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