Kentucky (36-2) vs. Louisville (30-9)

Time: 6:09 PM ET/5:09 CT

CBS

As much as I admire Rick Pitino as a strategist and motivator, I just don’t think he had the horses in this one. Anthony Davis, Terrence Jones, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and the rest of this talented cast of players are just too much for a scrappy, courageous Louisville team. If it comes down to coaching, I’d pick Louisville. Taking nothing away from Calipari, just think Pitino may be one of the best on floor coaches ever, if not the best. But this Kentucky team is flat out loaded as everyone knows. Pitino’s best chance is for Peyton Siva to turn up the defensive heat in the full court on Marques Teague, and for Louisville to create a lot of turnovers. Kyle Kuric, Chris Smith and Siva need to shoot the ball well too. You have to play the perfect game to beat Kentucky this year and there is really no margin for error. I don’t think Louisville can be perfect the entire game. But I do think it will be a very good game.

Calipari 76, Pitino 72

Ohio State (31-7) vs. Kansas (31-6)

8:49 ET/7:49 CT

CBS

Terrific matchup between Jared Sullinger and Thomas Robinson, two of the three best post players in the country. Sullinger has kind of gone unheralded this year with the emergence of the awesome Anthony Davis of Kentucky and Robinson, who averages 17 points and 11 rebounds. But Sullinger has had quite a year of his own averaging 17 and nine. He is stellar. But to me, Ohio State goes as point guard Aaron Craft goes. The way he plays against the outstanding Tyshawn Taylor of Kansas will determine the outcome. Taylor is a tremendous driver and scorer of the basketball. Craft, to me, is the best on ball defender in the country. That should be a classic matchup to go along with the epic duel between Sullinger and Robinson. Like Sullinger, Craft and that stellar talent at Ohio State to just barely get by an equally talented Jayhawks’ team. Craft and Sullinger are the difference.

The Ohio State 78, Kansas 76