Point guard
Advantage: push
Senior leader Darrell Mitchell has been the Tigers’ most
consistent backcourt scorer and makes good decisions on the court.
The Bruins’ sophomore Jordan Farmar has played inconsistently
throughout the tournament, but has shown the ability throughout his
career to be a player with game-breaking ability.
Shooting guard
Advantage: UCLA
UCLA sophomore Arron Afflalo and LSU freshman Garrett Temple are
both exceptional defensive players, but Afflalo plays a much
stronger and smarter offensive game. Temple shut down J.J. Redick
in the Sweet 16 and will make it difficult for Afflalo to
score.
Small forward
Advantage: push
Bruin senior Cedric Bozeman and Tigers freshman Tasmin Mitchell
are two very similar players. Both are 6-foot-7 power forwards who
score about 10 points a game and play strong on the defensive end.
The winner of this matchup could be key to the outcome of the
game.
Power forward
Advantage: LSU
Freshmen Tyrus Thomas and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute are two of
the best first-year players in the country, but the way Thomas has
been playing for the Tigers lately, the Bruins’ Mbah a Moute
has quite a task on his hands. Thomas has a strong mid-range game
and amazing athletic ability around the basket.
Center
Advantage: LSU
There is probably not a center in the country that has improved
as much as UCLA’s Ryan Hollins has in the Tournament, but
LSU’s Glen “Big Baby” Davis has almost 100 pounds
on Hollins and has a dominant post game. Hollins will need help
from his teammates to contain Davis.
Compiled by Bruin Sports senior staff.