USA TODAY Sports provides your March Madness therapy 
Michigan forward Glenn Robinson III (1) huddles with teammates in the first half of the semifinals during the Final Four. (Photo: Bob Donnan, USA TODAY Sports) Story Highlights - The national champion will be decided tonight at 9:23 p.m.
- Michigan faces Louisville in an offense vs. defense battle
- National player of the year Trey Burke leads Michigan, while Louisville's Russ Smith is on a hot streak
Welcome to Bracket Briefing, our attempt to provide you with the essential information on the Big Dance — highlighting the Florida Gulf Coasts and Wichita States of the college basketball world.
At the water cooler: Tonight starting at 9:23 p.m. ET on CBS, a national champion will be decided. Each team has its own intriguing back story. Louisville has a chance to claim national supremacy for the first time since 1986, more importantly a chance to give coach Rick Pitino his second title with a different school after piloting Kentucky to the title 17 years ago. Michigan can become national champions for the first time since 1989 and this Wolverines squad has a chance to trump the Fab Five by winning a national title, a feat that has taken a major timeout since Steve Fisher was on the sidelines.
TITLE GAME: Top offense vs. top defense
PREVIOUSLY: Controversial calls mar Final Four
Of course, with Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King and who's that other guy Ray Jackson having their early 1990s banners vacated, Michigan winning tonight holds significant meaning because a banner will be hanging in the rafters once again. Still, there's a value to accomplishing something that eluded one of the most transcendent teams in college basketball history. If Trey Burke, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Co. cut down the nets, they'll put an end to a long wait while simultaneously erasing bad memories. 
AP Image Keys to Michigan winning: It's fair to call Michigan underdogs if we're going by the defense wins championships adage. Here's a look at ways their superior offense and not-so-bad defense can lead to a title.
1. Handle Louisville's press and halfcourt pressure with poise. Burke and Hardaway Jr. should be OK. What about the role players/reserves? This is the easiest way to control the tempo against a smother 'D.'
2. Win the rebounding battle. Wichita State played phenomenal defense to nearly shock Louisville. WSU also controlled the boards. If Michigan can get second-chance points, it's a bonus. The most important part is not allowing the Cardinals to get out in transition where they're dangerous.
3. Don't shoot too many outside shots. Even though this team has high accuracy from long range, it's essential to get to the paint against a team like Louisville. One forced shot leads to a rebound, then an outlet, and a transition bucket. The Cardinals can take the game over in speedy fashion.
4. Win the battle of the stars. Michigan managed to reach the title game despite seven points on 1-for-8 shooting from Burke, the national player of the year. Louisville's Russ Smith is on an offensive tear and hasn't scored less than 21 points this tournament, averaging 25 points per game.
5. Team chemistry. On paper, Michigan has more talent. One of the biggest differences between this year's team and last year's team — aside from maturity and a dazzling freshmen class — has been cohesiveness. Burke and Hardaway Jr. complement each other well. The key will be the role players hitting open shots. If Nik Stauskas, Glenn Robinson III, Mitch McGary and others are hitting, Louisville's pestering defense won't be that scary.
The matchup: USA TODAY Sports' college basketball panel breaks down tonight's game.
The ultimate key to victory: USA TODAY Sports' Nicole Auerbach points out that neither Michigan nor Louisville would be playing without key contributions from their reserve players. She writes, "Here in Atlanta, at the 75th men's Final Four, the stars are taking a backseat to the walk-ons and back-ups."
PHOTOS: A LOOK AT THE BEST ROLE PLAYERS OF ALL TIME: 
Darius Miller, 2012 Kentucky Wildcats Richard Mackson, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Brian Zoubek, 2010 Duke Blue Devils]()
Brian Zoubek, 2010 Duke Blue Devils Eileen Blass, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Ed Davis, 2009 North Carolina Tar Heels]()
Ed Davis, 2009 North Carolina Tar Heels Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Sasha Kaun, 2008 Kansas Jayhawks]()
Sasha Kaun, 2008 Kansas Jayhawks Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Chris Richard, 2007/2006 Florida Gators]()
Chris Richard, 2007/2006 Florida Gators Michael A. Schwarz, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Charlie Villanueva, 2004 UConn Huskies]()
Charlie Villanueva, 2004 UConn Huskies Gregory Bull, AP Related story Fullscreen ![Billy Edelin, 2003 Syracuse Orange]()
Billy Edelin, 2003 Syracuse Orange Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Drew Nicholas, 2002 Maryland Terrapins]()
Drew Nicholas, 2002 Maryland Terrapins Nick Wass, AP Related story Fullscreen ![Jamaal Magloire, 1998 Kentucky Wildcats]()
Jamaal Magloire, 1998 Kentucky Wildcats Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Nate James, 2000 Duke Blue Devils]()
Nate James, 2000 Duke Blue Devils Bob Jordan, AP Related story Fullscreen Like this topic? You may also like these photo galleries: Replay 
Autoplay Show Thumbnails Show Captions Fullscreen Last Slide Next Slide One shining question: Expect CBS to be ready to give Kevin Ware a lift. CBS noted on Saturday that Louisville is already thinking about "arrangements" for Ware to help cut down the net Monday — a moment that could potentially even trump CBS' One Shining Moment tournament-closing segment.
Quotable: "I was honest about what was going to happen and I was penalized for being honest. But I was never bitter. I always supported Michigan. I went to Michigan. Despite what you heard and read, I was a Michigan man with two degrees." — Former Michigan coach Bill Frieder told USA TODAY Sports about his decision to leave for Arizona State.
Position Breakdown No. 1: Guards
Michigan's Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr. comprise the nation's best backcourt. They won't combine to shoot 5 of 24 from the field, as they did against Syracuse, very often. Louisville's Russ Smith did not get overly excited about those statistics, saying, "That zone can do that to you. It can take a great player and break him down." Also remember that Burke and Hardaway Jr. combined for nine assists and just two turnovers. Florida coach Billy Donovan said by phone that what impresses him about Burke is that the guard shoots dramatically better from the field in the last two minutes of games. As for Smith and backcourt colleague Peyton Siva, they need to settle into the game much sooner Monday night. Smith in particular looked anxious and tight early on, making 5 of 12 free-throw attempts despite being an 80 percent career free-throw shooter. Without injured guard Kevin Ware, coach Rick Pitino likely will turn to those he joked are "potential superstars" like walk-on Tim Henderson. Henderson made back-to-back three-pointers – despite making just four other threes all season – to begin the Cardinals' rally from a 12-point deficit. ADVANTAGE: Michigan
Position Breakdown No. 2: Forwards
Glenn Robinson III has played well enough as a freshman to put himself in position to perhaps be one of as many as four Michigan underclassmen who could enter the NBA draft. But the difference-maker has been freshman Mitch McGary, who throughout the NCAA tournament has shown the ability that he first displayed as a coveted high school prospect. His stat line – 10 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists – against Syracuse showed why McGary may be the most improved player in the NCAA tournament. When Louisville played Wichita State, the Shockers made it their mission to take away the paint. Michigan will need to contend with a variety of players, including Wayne Blackshear, who did not have his best game against Wichita State, and Gorgui Dieng, who led the Big East in rebounds. But the key may be Luke Hancock. There was some consideration given to Pitino playing Hancock in the backcourt in light of the injury to Ware. But wherever Hancock plays, he can be a catalyst. He scored 13 points in the final 12 minutes against Wichita State. ADVANTAGE: Michigan
The Final Breakdown: Coaches
John Beilein is in the discussion as one of the best coaches in the country yet to win the national championship. And in this NCAA tournament he has already beaten three national title-winning coaches in Bill Self, Billy Donovan and Jim Boeheim. Rick Pitino would be the fourth. Pitino has taken three different schools to Final Fours. And he has been to Final Fours in four different decades. His ability to unite and rally his team in the Duke game following the gruesome injury to Ware was impressive. Also of note was his ability to employ modest defensive pressure against Wichita State to avoid significant foul trouble before the Cardinals ratcheted up the intensity in the second half. ADVANTAGE: Louisville
Michigan's corner:
— Why Mitch McGary is the ultimate X-Factor (By Dan Shanoff)
— Wolverines to see major changes next year (By Dan Wolken)
— Michigan, Burke have a date with destiny (By Mike Lopresti)
Louisville's corner:
— Rick Pitino is chasing another title, history (By Eric Prisbell)
— A banner year for Louisville sports all-around (By Rachel George)
— In a way, Louisville has gained the 'Cinderella' factor (By Shaun Powell)
'Kickin it old school: The vintage clip of the day goes to...
Kinda had to.
Michigan forward Glenn Robinson III (1) huddles with teammates in the first half of the semifinals during the Final Four. (Photo: Bob Donnan, USA TODAY Sports) Welcome to Bracket Briefing, our attempt to provide you with the essential information on the Big Dance — highlighting the Florida Gulf Coasts and Wichita States of the college basketball world. At the water cooler: Tonight starting at 9:23 p.m. ET on CBS, a national champion will be decided. Each team has its own intriguing back story. Louisville has a chance to claim national supremacy for the first time since 1986, more importantly a chance to give coach Rick Pitino his second title with a different school after piloting Kentucky to the title 17 years ago. Michigan can become national champions for the first time since 1989 and this Wolverines squad has a chance to trump the Fab Five by winning a national title, a feat that has taken a major timeout since Steve Fisher was on the sidelines. TITLE GAME: Top offense vs. top defense PREVIOUSLY: Controversial calls mar Final Four Of course, with Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King and who's that other guy Ray Jackson having their early 1990s banners vacated, Michigan winning tonight holds significant meaning because a banner will be hanging in the rafters once again. Still, there's a value to accomplishing something that eluded one of the most transcendent teams in college basketball history. If Trey Burke, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Co. cut down the nets, they'll put an end to a long wait while simultaneously erasing bad memories. Keys to Michigan winning: It's fair to call Michigan underdogs if we're going by the defense wins championships adage. Here's a look at ways their superior offense and not-so-bad defense can lead to a title. 1. Handle Louisville's press and halfcourt pressure with poise. Burke and Hardaway Jr. should be OK. What about the role players/reserves? This is the easiest way to control the tempo against a smother 'D.' 2. Win the rebounding battle. Wichita State played phenomenal defense to nearly shock Louisville. WSU also controlled the boards. If Michigan can get second-chance points, it's a bonus. The most important part is not allowing the Cardinals to get out in transition where they're dangerous. 3. Don't shoot too many outside shots. Even though this team has high accuracy from long range, it's essential to get to the paint against a team like Louisville. One forced shot leads to a rebound, then an outlet, and a transition bucket. The Cardinals can take the game over in speedy fashion. 4. Win the battle of the stars. Michigan managed to reach the title game despite seven points on 1-for-8 shooting from Burke, the national player of the year. Louisville's Russ Smith is on an offensive tear and hasn't scored less than 21 points this tournament, averaging 25 points per game. 5. Team chemistry. On paper, Michigan has more talent. One of the biggest differences between this year's team and last year's team — aside from maturity and a dazzling freshmen class — has been cohesiveness. Burke and Hardaway Jr. complement each other well. The key will be the role players hitting open shots. If Nik Stauskas, Glenn Robinson III, Mitch McGary and others are hitting, Louisville's pestering defense won't be that scary. The matchup: USA TODAY Sports' college basketball panel breaks down tonight's game. The ultimate key to victory: USA TODAY Sports' Nicole Auerbach points out that neither Michigan nor Louisville would be playing without key contributions from their reserve players. She writes, "Here in Atlanta, at the 75th men's Final Four, the stars are taking a backseat to the walk-ons and back-ups." PHOTOS: A LOOK AT THE BEST ROLE PLAYERS OF ALL TIME: One shining question: Expect CBS to be ready to give Kevin Ware a lift. CBS noted on Saturday that Louisville is already thinking about "arrangements" for Ware to help cut down the net Monday — a moment that could potentially even trump CBS' One Shining Moment tournament-closing segment. Quotable: "I was honest about what was going to happen and I was penalized for being honest. But I was never bitter. I always supported Michigan. I went to Michigan. Despite what you heard and read, I was a Michigan man with two degrees." — Former Michigan coach Bill Frieder told USA TODAY Sports about his decision to leave for Arizona State. Position Breakdown No. 1: Guards Michigan's Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr. comprise the nation's best backcourt. They won't combine to shoot 5 of 24 from the field, as they did against Syracuse, very often. Louisville's Russ Smith did not get overly excited about those statistics, saying, "That zone can do that to you. It can take a great player and break him down." Also remember that Burke and Hardaway Jr. combined for nine assists and just two turnovers. Florida coach Billy Donovan said by phone that what impresses him about Burke is that the guard shoots dramatically better from the field in the last two minutes of games. As for Smith and backcourt colleague Peyton Siva, they need to settle into the game much sooner Monday night. Smith in particular looked anxious and tight early on, making 5 of 12 free-throw attempts despite being an 80 percent career free-throw shooter. Without injured guard Kevin Ware, coach Rick Pitino likely will turn to those he joked are "potential superstars" like walk-on Tim Henderson. Henderson made back-to-back three-pointers – despite making just four other threes all season – to begin the Cardinals' rally from a 12-point deficit. ADVANTAGE: Michigan Position Breakdown No. 2: Forwards Glenn Robinson III has played well enough as a freshman to put himself in position to perhaps be one of as many as four Michigan underclassmen who could enter the NBA draft. But the difference-maker has been freshman Mitch McGary, who throughout the NCAA tournament has shown the ability that he first displayed as a coveted high school prospect. His stat line – 10 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists – against Syracuse showed why McGary may be the most improved player in the NCAA tournament. When Louisville played Wichita State, the Shockers made it their mission to take away the paint. Michigan will need to contend with a variety of players, including Wayne Blackshear, who did not have his best game against Wichita State, and Gorgui Dieng, who led the Big East in rebounds. But the key may be Luke Hancock. There was some consideration given to Pitino playing Hancock in the backcourt in light of the injury to Ware. But wherever Hancock plays, he can be a catalyst. He scored 13 points in the final 12 minutes against Wichita State. ADVANTAGE: Michigan The Final Breakdown: Coaches John Beilein is in the discussion as one of the best coaches in the country yet to win the national championship. And in this NCAA tournament he has already beaten three national title-winning coaches in Bill Self, Billy Donovan and Jim Boeheim. Rick Pitino would be the fourth. Pitino has taken three different schools to Final Fours. And he has been to Final Fours in four different decades. His ability to unite and rally his team in the Duke game following the gruesome injury to Ware was impressive. Also of note was his ability to employ modest defensive pressure against Wichita State to avoid significant foul trouble before the Cardinals ratcheted up the intensity in the second half. ADVANTAGE: Louisville Michigan's corner: — Why Mitch McGary is the ultimate X-Factor (By Dan Shanoff) — Wolverines to see major changes next year (By Dan Wolken) — Michigan, Burke have a date with destiny (By Mike Lopresti) Louisville's corner: — Rick Pitino is chasing another title, history (By Eric Prisbell) — A banner year for Louisville sports all-around (By Rachel George) — In a way, Louisville has gained the 'Cinderella' factor (By Shaun Powell) 'Kickin it old school: The vintage clip of the day goes to... Kinda had to. Story Highlights
AP Image
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