Final Four 2012 Schedule: Last-Minute Predictions for Epic Semifinals

Oh, what a wonderful day today is. The Final Four will kick off with two games that pack so much punch from an entertainment standpoint. Only two star-studded teams will move on, and we have an idea of who they will be. 

Forget the brackets, largely because they are now only good as future recycled paper, and savor these two games as they were truly intended. 

We have four teams with eyes on the big prize, but one huge hurdle remains. There will be a great deal of heartbreak after tonight, and an equal amount of celebration. 

Let's dive into how things will shake out at the 2012 Final Four. 

No. 4 Louisville vs. No. 1 Kentucky - Saturday, March 31st - 6:09 p.m. - CBS

Really, you couldn't ask for a better team to match up with Kentucky before the final. Louisville is brash enough to think that they are on equal footing with the Wildcats heading into tonight's opener. 

They certainly have the defense to back up that sentiment. Per CBS Sports, Louisville has the stats to back up the claim they are one of the stoutest defenses remaining. They are fourth in field-goal percentage defense (38), seventh in steals per game (8.9) and 31st in points allowed per game (60.8). 

They are unrelenting, but there is a catch in this game. Kentucky is no ordinary team and have a ton of weapons that can beat Louisville. 

In the end, it will prove too much for the Cardinals to contend with. We also have their New Year's Eve game to look back on as evidence. 

In that win, Kentucky owned the boards, grabbing 49 to the Cardinals' 28. Their depth on the front line will be the difference. 

Prediction: Kentucky 81, Louisville 77

No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 2 Kansas - Saturday, March 31st - 8:49 p.m. - CBS

While Game 1 may feature a hated rivalry, this game will be a clash in the paint that will have us captivated until the end. 

This has all the makings of a game that will come down to the final possession, but I am leaning to Kansas for the simple fact that they can be a beast to deal with in the paint. 

Jared Sullinger will make his presence known, especially considering his versatile offensive prowess and his perimeter game that is just solid. 

I still can't overlook the tandem of Thomas Robinson and Jeff Withey. Both players lock down the paint and can really affect shots—when they aren't busy blocking them. 

Consistent production on both ends of the court inside gives Kansas a small advantage, which is the reason I am picking the Jayhawks to advance. 

Prediction: Kansas 73, Ohio State 72 

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