Final Four 2012 Predictions: Kentucky Defense Will Dismantle Louisville Run

It's official—it's now Final Four time.

An Anthony Davis-led Kentucky team and Big East tournament champion Louisville are set to meet in New Orleans in a matchup that fans nationwide are highly anticipating.

Talk about a game with the makings to be a thriller.

Yet, in spite of the eight consecutive wins and the overwhelming momentum that the Cardinals carry into this contest, the Wildcats will be able to outplay Louisville on the end of the floor that this team prides themselves on. That is, its defense.

During the 2012 NCAA tournament, Kentucky has held three of its four opponents to less than 42 percent shooting from the field. It has twice finished games with a team total of nine blocks.

At 77.1 points per game, a mark that ranks No. 20 in the nation, Kentucky also has the edge offensively.

Led by Anthony Davis at 14.2 points per game, this was a team that not only scored well, but distributed the wealth amongst a number of players. Davis was one of six players on this team that averaged double-figures in scoring for the entire season.

Louisville, although playing their best basketball of late, has failed to be a consistent team offensively for the better part of the 2011-12 season. This season, the team is averaging just under 69 points per game, a mark that ranks No. 155 in the nation.

Given the success head coach John Calipari and his Kentucky offense has had and continues to have in tourney play, this is easily the one area that decides this contest.

Head coach Rick Pitino has constantly put emphasis on the defensive end, yet it will be the offense that will have to hit shots in order to keep up with the Wildcats out on the break.

Given the step up play of the team on offense in the 2012 tournament and the dominance the team has had on the defensive end behind Davis, Louisville will lose its first game in nine as Kentucky move on to the championship game.