Final Four Predictions

The Final 4 has arrived. Four teams that nobody in America, even me, ever thought would be paired together to battle it out for college basketball's National Championship, are in Indianapolis to do just that. Since I know everyone is on pins and needles for my selections, probably so they can run to Vegas to pick the other side, I present to you, Saturday's winners in the National Semifinals:

LSU vs. UCLA: This is a battle of two excellent defensive teams. I would not be surprised if the winning team in this one scores in the 50s. LSU has the edge inside with their dynamic duo of Big Baby and Tyrus Thomas, while UCLA has the better perimeter players, such as Farmar and Afflalo. I think UCLA has the coaching edge, and I look for Ben Howland to be smart enough to do what Coach K was not last week, and pack in a tight zone and force LSU to beat the Bruins from the outside. Points will be at a premium for the Bruins as well, as the Tigers proved that they have the athletes on the perimeter to stymie a jumpshooting team. Look for Darrell Mitchell of LSU to be the X-factor in this one, and hit just enough jumpers to lead the Bayou Bengals to the first Championship game appearance of my lifetime. LSU 58, UCLA 54.

George Mason vs. Florida: I may be in the minority, but I think that George Mason can win this game. Here's why:

• Experience. George Mason has the benefit of having had its nucleus together for four years, with three seniors that have played together for a long, long time. Of course, Duke had a lot of seniors too! Florida, on the other hand, has no seniors or juniors that averagnig even 20 minutes a game. I can almost hear Stitzer imitating Billy Packer saying "senior guard play...."
• Versatility, scoring options: Geore Mason has beautiful balance, with five players averaging between 11 and 14 points per contest. When it is time to take a big shot, you cannot double anyone, as all five players are equally dangerous. This cannot be underestimated. Look at Duke, they took J.J. away, or J.J. took himself away, or whatever, and Duke was dead.
• Almost all of ESPN's experts are picking Florida to win it all. What the hell do they know? And why didn't any of them pick Florida two weeks ago. They will all be wrong again.
• Who in America will not be rooting for George Mason? It will be like a home game. When the crowd gets going, and it is a close game, the refs, who are only human, will probably favor Mason on a couple close calls. It is why home teams shoot more free throws than road teams. Same principle applies.

So, that is it. George Mason will win versus the Gators, and all of America will applaud. George Mason 73, Florida 68.

We will save the National Title prediction for Monday, on the off, off, off, off chance that one or both of my picks is somehow incorrect....