Memphis Tigers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes 4:40 pm ET-CBS
The top seeded Buckeyes are looking to make their first Final Four in years by defeating the Memphis Tigers later on this afternoon. The trip would be their first since their 1999 Final Four banner was removed due to illegal actions performed by former Buckeyes Coach Jim O’Brien.
For Memphis, it would be their first trip to the Final Four since 1985, losing to the eventual National Champions, Villanova.
For Calipari, its his first trip back to the Final Four since 1994, when he made an amazing run with UMass. Buzz surrounds Calipari as he is supposedly a candidate to be the next coach at Kentucky.
Both teams have traveled tumultuous roads on their way to their Elite Eight showdown later this afternoon.
The Tigers ride into this game on a 25-game winning streak and narrowly defeating the Texas A&M Aggies in the Sweet 16 on Thursday night. Memphis breezed past North Texas in the first round. There was a battle for most of the game against Nevada in the second round, but the Tigers managed to contain Wolf Pack star Nick Fazekas and pull away with a win.
The top-ranked team in the country, Buckeyes have had a phenomenal season, led by freshmen stars Greg Oden and Mike Conley, Jr., as well as senior Ron Lewis. Lewis has had a terrific tournament, coming through in the clutch when the Buckeyes needed him.
Lewis hit a game-tying three with two seconds left against second round opponent, Xavier. Lewis was credited with keeping the Buckeyes in the game, even when Conley, Jr. was struggling and Oden fouled out.
After winning their first game in the tournament, the Buckeyes struggled greatly against Xavier and Tennessee in their next two, having to come from behind and winning.
Memphis needs to rely on scoring from their bench in order to keep up with the Buckeyes. They also need to contain Oden, if they want to make the Final Four.
The Buckeyes must rely on freshmen Oden and Conley, to improve and hope Lewis is still a hot hand to go to late in the game. Conley, Jr., more than anybody else, is the key player for the Buckeyes, it’s up to him to carry his team into Atlanta.
Either way it should be a great game as both teams are on the threshold of a ticket to Atlanta. This is a game people will be talking about.
