NCAA Bracket 2015: Assessing Which Team Has the Edge in Each Final Four Contest

When you get evenly matched college basketball teams such as the ones in the Final Four, a slight advantage in any aspect of the game can be the difference between winning and losing.

In the early rounds of the NCAA tournament, an elite team can overcome a bad matchup or even a poor performance to advance based on talent alone. Kentucky's win over Cincinnati or Wisconsin's close call against Oregon exemplified the mindset of "survive and advance."

However, teams won't move on now without performing at their absolute best. At that point, it will simply come down to matchups with how well each squad stacks up against a particular opponent.

Both Final Four games are certain to be tough battles, but here is a breakdown of what will be the difference in each contest.

Duke vs. Michigan State

When Duke has the ball

Just as head coach Tom Izzo would want, Michigan State plays excellent team defense. The players communicate, make good rotations and generally are always in the right place at the right time.

Unfortunately, the squad will face a new challenge in attempting to stop All-American center Jahlil Okafor. Although the big man has been limited to just 15 points over the past two games, the opponents had size inside to slow him down in the form of Utah's Jakob Poeltl and Gonzaga's Przemek Karnowski.

The Spartans simply don't have anyone capable of handling Okafor in the post. Matt Costello and Gavin Schilling will get their chances, but in all likelihood, the team will be forced to use double-teams throughout the game.

Even if Michigan State can somehow contain Okafor, stopping Quinn Cook and Tyus Jones will be another story. Justise Winslow has also been red-hot lately and can push the tempo with his ability to create a fast break.

This could cause problems for the Spartans all day long.

When Michigan State has the ball

After beating elite defensive teams such as Virginia, Oklahoma and Louisville over the past three games, Michigan State has to have a lot of confidence on that end of the court.

Travis Trice has been a game-changer in the backcourt, while the entire lineup knows how to pass the ball to find an open man.

However, this advantage might not be as great as it might have been a few weeks ago. As Adam Rowe of 247Sports noted, the Blue Devils have improved immensely on defense:

Head coach Mike Krzyzewski refused to admit there has been a problem on that end of the court but still noted the improvement after the win over Gonzaga, via Bleacher Report's C.J. Moore:

"

We've been a good defensive team all year except on a few occasions. You know, they've gotten a bum rap really for not being able to play defense. We wouldn't win over 30 games unless we're playing good defense. 

In the tournament, we've played outstanding defense.

"

There has simply been an increased commitment to defense over the past few weeks, and it has led to some impressive wins. While Michigan State should still have some success, it won't be enough to close the gap of Duke's advantage offensively.

Edge: Duke

Kentucky vs. Wisconsin

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

When Kentucky has the ball

Wisconsin isn't known for its defensive efficiency, but what the team does do is slow down the pace to make every single basket important. This is a big reason opponents only average 57.8 points per game, the 11th-lowest mark in the nation.

However, the biggest advantage on this end of the court will be the ability to control the glass. According to KenPom.com, the Badgers rank fourth in the nation in defensive rebounding percentage, which would take away one of Kentucky's biggest offensive strengths.

The Wildcats have a lot of talent at each position with players who can create open looks for themselves. Still, a poor shooting effort will lead to worse results than they are used to seeing.

Karl-Anthony Towns also likely won't be able to have so many easy looks around the basket like he did against the undersized Notre Dame.

When Wisconsin has the ball

Of everything in the Final Four, this is the battle fans should want to see. ESPN Stats and Info broke down the ability of the two sides:

In reality, this is a matchup between two of the best singular units we have seen in years.

Kentucky succeeds mostly due to its overwhelming size down low. The frontcourt is filled with future NBA stars such as Towns, Willie Cauley-Stein and Trey Lyles, providing a serious challenge to anyone who wants to score in the paint.

Despite this problem, Notre Dame provided a blueprint of how to succeed against this defense. If you can spread the floor with shooters, it takes some of the big men out of the middle and leads to easier looks inside.

Fortunately for Wisconsin, this is what the team has been doing all year long. Frank Kaminsky is a matchup nightmare in the post, and his shooting ability ensures all five players on the court must be guarded on the perimeter. This will leave openings inside for Kaminsky, Nigel Hayes or Sam Dekker.

Kentucky might be 38-0, but this will be the best team it has faced all year long.

Edge: Wisconsin

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