Kentucky vs. Kansas: Most Critical Matchups in 2012 NCAA Championship Game

There is no shortage of elite talent on the court tonight in the 2012 NCAA championship game between Kentucky and Kansas.

The Wildcats alone put six potential first round picks on the court, and Kansas has one of the nation's top players and a couple other potential NBA draft picks as well.

A few of them will be matched up in tonight's showdown, and it will make all the difference who wins.

Anthony Davis vs. Jeff Withey

On one hand you look at this matchup and wonder how a fringe first round pick can handle the NCAA's Naismith Award winner. On the other, you realize that Davis is still a freshman with a developing offensive game.

The nation's best player holds the keys to this game.

If he dominates Withey, the Jayhawks won't stand a chance, but if the 7'0" shot-blocker can neutralize the freshman it will open up everything else for Kansas.

These two are arguably the best shot blockers in the entire nation, and their presence impacts the entire game. Whoever wins this battle goes a long way towards winning this game.

Thomas Robinson vs. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Terrence Jones

Robinson won't be able to dominate MKG and Jones with his size and athleticism the way he did Jared Sullinger in the Final Four.

MKG and Robinson are both top five picks, and Jones will still likely fall into the top 20.

The last time these two teams played back in the beginning of the season we saw Robinson look like a normal guy. That can happen when battling the likes of Kidd-Gilchrist and Jones all night long.

If Kansas' best player can't get going because of the Wildcats' length and athleticism then it will be a very long night. 

As much of the season has gone for Kentucky, they walk onto the court tonight knowing they're the best team in the country. The only question is whether or not they can rise up and win the important battles on the floor once again.

If the Wildcats don't play the way they can, and Withey and Robinson step up, the Jayhawks could easily spring the upset.