Preview of the 2013 NCAA Basketball Championship Game: Louisville Cardinals vs. Michigan Wolverines

In the 2013 NCAA Basketball Championship Game the Louisville Cardinals will face the Michigan Wolverines. Louisville had some problem in their semi-final but they beat Wichita State 72 to 68. Michigan had some trouble with Syracuse as well in their semi-final but they won 61 to 56. This is Louisville's 3rd National Championship Game and they are looking to win their 3rd National Championship in school history. This is Michigan's 6th National Championship Game and they are looking to win their 2nd National Championship in school history.  
Preview: Both of the teams have great guards. Russ Smith and Peyton Siva from Louisville have played great. Smith is averaging 25.0 PPG and 3.0 SPG in the NCAA Tournament. Siva is averaging 8.6 PPG, 4.6 APG and 2.0 APG in the NCAA Tournament. Trey Burke is the Player of the Year from Michigan. He is averaging 13.8 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 5.0 APG and 1.8 SPG in the NCAA Tournament. The battle between Gurgoui Dieng and Mitch McGary will be very intesting to watch. This also has many future NBA players in it. I would guess that there are at least 3 and maybe as many as 6. Kentucky and Kansas both some what similar stats with Louisville dominate in rebounding and Michigan dominate in shooting percentage. Louisville averages 73.6 PPG and Michigan averages 75.2 PPG.  Louisville averages 37.5 RPG and Michigan averages 35.1 RPG. Louisville averages 15.0 APG and Michigan averages 14.3 APG. Louisville shoots 44.5% and Michigan shoots 48.4%. Louisville also had been winning by more in the Tournament than Michigan. Louisville has won by an average of 18.2 PPG and Michigan only 13.4 PPG.

Prediction: I believe with Russ Smith and Peyton Siva they will be too much for Trey Burke and Michigan. I expect Russ Smith to have his 6th straight 20 point game. I also thing Dieng will harass McGary in the post and limit McGary compared to what he has been doing. With Louisville's pressure defense Michigan will have to shoot lights out and I don't think that can happen in this game. Louisville will also should be able to get to the rim at will vs. Michigan's weak interior defense. I expect the game to be close but Louisville should be in control most of the game. I believe that Louisville has experience with play in the Final Four last year and better defense and rebounding to lose this game. Even with Trey Burke, Syracuse showed he can be controlled. I think Louisville wins the game and claims their 3rd National Title in school history and first since 1986. As well they will bring home the National Title for Kevin Ware. 

Final Score: Louisville 73, Michigan 67. 

2013 National Basketball Champions are the Louisville Cardinals (35-5).

Russ Smith is the 2013 NCAA Basketball Tournament Most Outstanding Player.