NCAA Tournament Schedule 2012: Bold Predictions for Star-Studded Final Four

The 2012 Final Four will tip off from New Orleans Saturday night, when the four regional champions hit the hardwood looking to earn a spot in the NCAA Championship game.

The Cinderellas have had their time in the NCAA Tournament, but that time has passed and now the college basketball powerhouses will duke it out for the top prize.

Join Bleacher Report for four bold predictions for the star-studded Final Four event in the Big Easy.

No. 1. Jared Sullinger Will Post 25 Points and 15 Rebounds 

The Ohio State sophomore has been solid all tournament long for the Buckeyes, averaging 18 points and 8.3 rebounds per game in four OSU wins.

Sullinger has been shooting a superb percentage from the field since the opening round, and has successfully avoided picking up the dreaded fourth foul in each of the past three games, but it has come at the cost of reduced minutes on the floor, which has, in turn, limited his production.

Ohio State will need him to be on his A-game in the paint and on the glass Saturday night if they are to advance. Don't be surprised if he turns in a monster effort and leads the Buckeyes into the title matchup the following Monday night.

No. 2. Louisville Will Allow More Than 70 Points

The Cardinals' defense has been the sole reason they are headed to New Orleans this March, allowing NCAA Tournament opponents just 57.5 points per game.

That will change on Saturday night when Rick Pitino and the Cards find themselves in over their head against the tourney's No. 1 overall-seed Kentucky Wildcats, who were scoring 90 points per game heading into their Elite 8 matchup with Baylor.

Something's got to give, and it won't be Kentucky's offensively-gifted lineup.

No. 3. Anthony Davis Will Post a Triple-Double

The tremendous freshman will elevate his draft stock to unreachable heights Saturday night when he posts a ridiculous triple-double against the Louisville Cardinals. 

Davis came close to recording a triple-double in Kentucky's opening win over Western Kentucky, scoring 16 points, reeling in nine rebounds and stuffing seven shots. He also had a career-high five assists against Iowa State in the third round, so it is possible.

No. 4. Kentucky and Ohio State Will Survive, Provide the Encore

By the night's end, there will be two teams left standing, and one game left to be played. The Kentucky Wildcats look to be the class of college basketball still, and the Ohio State Buckeyes have a dependable force in Jared Sullinger, capable of leading them to a championship.

The SEC will be pitted against the Big Ten on April 2, in a star-studded, can't-miss title matchup that will feature two storied programs, a combined eight national championships between them and a plethora of 2012 NBA Draft prospects.