Memphis has a tall task in containing UCLA's big men

As Kevin Love's popularity has grown, his game has only gotten stronger. AP

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UCLA (35-3) vs. Memphis (37-1)
Saturday, 6:07 p.m., CBS
Alamodome (44,000)

In a town where sequels are the norm, UCLA is doing its part with a third straight Final Four appearance. But experience alone isn't what makes Ben Howland's crew so dangerous. This edition has something the previous two, which fell short of a title, didn't have: freshman big man Kevin Love. UCLA opens its run in San Antonio after an impressive win over Xavier, but these Bruins have made their mark in close games, with seven of their last 10 being decided by 10 points or less.

Memphis finally reached the Final Four after losing in the Elite Eight the past two seasons and, much like the Bruins, the difference in this team is a freshman -- point guard Derrick Rose. The Tigers are coming off a pair of 18-point wins over Michigan State and Texas, in which they shot better than 50 percent, and they've eased criticism of their one Achilles' heel by hitting a combined 79 percent of their free throws in those victories.

Point Guard

UCLA's Darren Collison
Jr., 6-foot-1, 165 pounds
Stats: 14.8 ppg, 53 percent from three-point range

Collison has teamed with Love to form a potent scoring punch, though he has been erratic in the tournament, offsetting 21- and 19-point games with five- and four-point outings while turning the ball over four times in each of the last three games. But he has a knack for coming through in the clutch and he's one part of the marquee matchup in this game against ...

Memphis' Derrick Rose
Freshman, 6-foot-3, 190
Stats: 14.6 ppg, 4.7 apg

If not for Stephen Curry, Rose would be the breakout player of the tournament. He's averaged 19 points a game in the dance, including 27 and 21 in the last two games, and the needle-phobic phenom has delivered the best off-the-court story of the tourney. He has two inches and a step on Collison and is upping his NBA stock every time he touches the ball.

EDGE: MEMPHIS

Shooting Guard

UCLA's Russell Westbrook
So., 6-3, 187
Stats: 12.5 ppg, 4.3 apg

The Pac-10 defensive player of the year has slid into the lock-down defender role, which was vacated by Arron Afflalo went he pro after last season, and could help ease the offensive threat of Rose. Westbrook is dangerous in the lane and has helped pick up the pace with Josh Shipp's struggles, but his biggest asset is his defense.

Memphis' Antonio Anderson
Jr., 6-6, 210 pounds
Stats: 8.4 ppg, 3.7 rpg

Like Westbrook, Anderson is a defensive standout for his team and has the size and long limbs to wreak havoc. His offensive stats aren't overwhelming, but he stays out of foul trouble and is averaging more minutes (28 or more in the last two seasons) than any player on the Tigers' roster.

EDGE: UCLA

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