April 04--(1) Duke (33-4) vs. (7) Michigan State (27-11)
5:09 p.m. Saturday, TBS
Offense: Although Jahlil Okafor has struggled the last two games (six points against Utah and nine points against Gonzaga), the freshman center still should be a difficult matchup for the Spartans. Edge: Duke.
Defense: The Spartans hold opponents to 63.2 points on 39.3 percent shooting and 31.6 percent on 3-pointers. Edge: Michigan State.
Coaching: Michigan State coach Tom Izzo is one of the best but he's 1-8 against Mike Krzyzewski. Edge: Duke.
Intangibles: The seventh-seeded Spartans are relishing their role as an underdog. Edge: Michigan State.
Shannon Ryan's prediction: Michigan State 65, Duke 60.
(1) Kentucky (38-0) vs. (1) Wisconsin (35-3)
7:49 p.m. Saturday, TBS
Offense: The Badgers average 72.8 points per game with a highly efficient offense, leading the nation in points per possession. Wisconsin has the weapons to beat the Wildcats. Edge: Wisconsin.
Defense: The Wildcats allow only 53.9 points per game, second lowest in the country. Their length makes life miserable for opposing offenses. Edge: Kentucky.
Coaching: Bo Ryan and John Calipari are among the best, but Calipari has been to this stage -- and succeeded -- more often. Edge: Kentucky.
Intangibles: The Wildcats have plenty of motivation, chasing the first perfect season since 1976. Edge: Kentucky.
Shannon Ryan's prediction: Kentucky 78, Wisconsin 75.
