UConn vs. San Diego State Preview: Can Kemba Walker Keep Huskies Rolling?

The UConn versus San Diego State Sweet 16 game should be one of the best of the tournament because both teams match up so well.

However, UConn will win on the back of their floor general, Kemba Walker.

San Diego State likes to run. The Aztecs want to get out in transition, fill the gaps and use those streaking, athletic wings to get easy baskets.

They will not be able to do that against UConn. Playing a transition offense depends on one big clearing the glass and making the outlet pass to initialize the run out.

UConn has Alex Oriakhi, 6'9", and Charles Okwandu, 7'0", who really hit the glass hard. San Diego State will have to send those wings to the defensive boards to keep UConn from scoring easy baskets off second-chance shots.

With that said, this game will be played more in the half court than most people are anticipating.

Kawhi Leonard, forward for San Diego State, is 6'7" and athletic. He will be looking to attack the rim in a half-court set.

That puts pressure on UConn's 6'8" freshman forward Roscoe Smith, who will more than likely have to guard Leonard. Smith is big and athletic as well, and though he may not be able to shut down Leonard, he can make scoring difficult for him.

However, if Smith has to go to the bench in foul trouble, the Huskies don't have anyone else who can match up to Leonard.

Playing in the half court, San Diego State will also need solid shooting from their guards, which has been streaky this year, but no less capable.

UConn will need to close out on Aztec shooters and then hit the glass hard to halt San Diego State's offense.

On the other end, San Diego State has to find a way to contain the high screen-and-roll that UConn runs just about every play for Kemba Walker.

Forward Billy White has gotten credit for shutting down Jimmer Fredette, but Walker is a different beast. While Jimmer relies on his body and angles to get open looks, Walker is a master of ball and head fakes.

White is an aggressive defender, making him susceptible to such fakery. If White tries to guard Walker, he could end up watching the game from the bench in foul trouble.

And of course, in such high-pressure games, the clutch factor can not be understated.

Simply put, UConn has the best chance of winning because they have the best player on the court wearing their uniform.

Expect this game to come down to one possession.

Walker has proven that, in the final minute of a close game, he will find a way to win.

Just ask Texas, Michigan State, Pittsburgh, Louisville, Villanova, etc.