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Breaking down the Final Four
Rutgers vs. Tennessee; First Union Center, Philadelphia; Friday, March 31; 7 p.m. EST; ESPN RUTGERS Strengths: Defense. The Scarlet Knights' matchup zone could create problems for Tennessee by disrupting its offensive rhythm. Rutgers has held opponents to just 54.1 points per game this season. Weaknesses: Rutgers has been known to struggle on offense. If they take too long to get going, the Scarlet Knights might not be able to catch up. X-factor: Junior point guard Tasha Pointer must take care of the ball in the face of Tennessee's swarming pressure. Rutgers will win if... They can force Tennessee into taking quick shots and limit the Lady Vols' second chances. TENNESSEE Strengths: Pat Summitt. With six national championships under her belt, she will have her team mentally and physically prepared to play. Weaknesses: Injuries. Freshman starting point guard Kara Lawson has been slowed by a stress fracture in her lower back and junior All-America Tamika Catchings is still nursing a sprained ankle. X-factor: Rutgers' defense will probably keep the score close, forcing Tennessee to come up with a big play at the buzzer. Catchings, Lawson or Semeka Randall are all capable of hitting a game-winning shot. Tennessee will win if... They can stay mentally tough for 40 minutes. My prediction: Tennessee wins in a squeaker. Connecticut vs. Penn State; First Union Center, Philadelphia; Friday, March 31; 9 p.m. EST; ESPN CONNECTICUT Strengths: Guard play. Sophomore Sue Bird and junior Shea Ralph are extremely talented, and the Huskies don't miss a beat when cat-quick freshman Kennitra Johnson comes into the game. Weaknesses: Very few. This Connecticut team is healthy and full of confidence. Plus, it has incredible depth. X-factor: The Huskies are the prohibitive favorite to win the title, but great expectations also mean pressure. UConn will have to tune out the distraction of friends, family and media. Connecticut will win if... They get their fast break going and avoid turnovers. PENN STATE Strengths: Senior point guard Helen Darling is an excellent leader. Junior Maren Walseth and senior Andrea Garner are very strong in the post. Weaknesses: Depth. The Lady Lions have only 10 players on their roster and the starting five all play more than 20 minutes per game. X-factor: When these teams met in December, the Lady Lions forced UConn to commit 25 turnovers in a 87-74 Connecticut victory. Penn State will need to force a similar number Friday night to have a chance to win. Penn State will win if... junior guards Lisa Shepherd and Chrissy Falcone shoot well from the three-point line, and Garner and Walseth stay out of foul trouble. My prediction: Connecticut has too many weapons. Plus, the Huskies' depth in the post will make it tough for Penn State to take any key players out of the game. UConn wins. Check back next Friday for another edition of Trisha Lucey's Inside Women's
College Basketball.
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