Kentucky vs. Kansas Predictions: Breaking Down NCAA Championship Game

The 2012 NCAA tournament comes to an end tonight, as the No. 1 Kentucky Wildcats square off against the No. 2 Kansas Jayhawks. 

Not many expected the Jayhawks to be here, especially if you go as far back as the beginning of the season. They lost some strong talent, and while folks knew they'd compete at a high level, few believed they had a title run in them. 

Kentucky has been the hot team all year long, and everyone was picking it to not only make the final, but also win it. 

The Wildcats have been dominant this year, cruising past all of their opponents in the NCAA tournament. 

Both teams are playing really well, so expect a hard-fought game throughout. They played each other in the second game of the year, with Kentucky winning, 75-65. Each player in the starting five for the Wildcats scored double-digit points. 

With that said, let's take a look at some specifics for the 2012 NCAA tournament's championship game. 

When: Monday, April 2 at 9:23 p.m. ET

Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, La.

Watch: CBS

Live Stream: NCAA.com

Betting Line: Kentucky (-6.5), according to VegasInsider.com 

Kentucky Injury Report (according to the Chicago Tribune)

F Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (quad): Probable 

Kansas Injury Report (according to the Chicago Tribune)

No injuries to report 

Kentucky Player to Watch 

Anthony Davis was recently named the Naismith Player of the Year, as reported by ESPN.

In this epic title game, you'll want to fixate on Davis more than any other Kentucky player.

The Wildcats big man has been an unstoppable force throughout the year and especially in the NCAA tournament. 

Davis has had 11 or more rebounds in the past four games, so look for him to be crashing the boards all night long, scoring easy buckets off missed shots. 

Kansas Player to Watch 

Thomas Robinson is the biggest star for the Jayhawks, and since this could be his last college game ever, expect him to thrive from tipoff all the way until the clock hits triple zero. 

When Kansas and Kentucky played at the beginning of the year, Robinson had a double-double but only scored 11 points. 

With the spotlight on him and the pressure building, look for Robinson to step his game up even more tonight. 

Robinson has been on a tear during the NCAA tournament, and he's not about to stop performing at a high level with just one game left. 

Key Matchup 

The battle in the frontcourt is the key matchup to watch in the championship game. 

Thomas Robinson and Jeff Withey of Kansas will have their hands full trying to limit the production of Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Terrence Jones. 

Winning the matchup down low is crucial for the title game. Whichever team can dominate the paint is most likely to be cutting down the nets when it's all said and done. 

Prediction 

While the Wildcats had little problem the first time they faced the Jayhawks this year, things will be different this time around. 

Expect a hard-fought and intense game all night long. But in the end, Kentucky will get the job done, because it's just a better overall team. 

Kansas certainly has what it takes to win it all, so don't be surprised if it happens. But, the Wildcats will not be denied a championship. 

Kentucky 77, Kansas 74