LAS VEGAS – Memphis has scored at least 77 points during its last six games. The Tigers have an average victory margin of 19.4 points in their past 10 games. They have won 12 in a row since suffering their only loss this season, a 66-62 setback against Tennessee at home.

The Tigers have gone ‘over’ in their last five games. Kansas is not only athletic and can play up-tempo, but it also has a shutdown defense. Kansas held North Carolina, the nation’s second-best offense, to 35 percent shooting from the field during Saturday’s 84-66 victory in Saturday’s semifinal as a 2 ½-point underdog. The combined 150 points dipped ‘under’ the 157-point closing total.

The Jayhawks shot 53 percent from the floor, had nine more rebounds than the Tar Heels, 10 more assists and six more blocked shots. Kansas built up a 40-12 lead before the Tar Heels cut the advantage to five points with nine minutes remaining in the game.

Brandon Rush led Kansas with 25 points and seven rebounds. The Jayhawks are looking to win their first national championship since 1988 when they were led by Danny Manning.

Memphis lost its lone championship game to UCLA and Bill Walton back in 1973.

The Tigers defeated UCLA in Saturday’s other semifinal as two-point favorites, 78-63. The combined 141 points went ‘over’ the 134-point closing total.

Guard Derrick Rose had a huge game for Memphis with 25 points and nine rebounds. Chris Douglas-Roberts led the winners with 28 points, while Joey Dorsey pulled down 15 rebounds.

Memphis entered the tournament making just 61.3 percent of its free throws. But the Tigers sank 20-of-23 free throws versus UCLA, led by Rose going 11-of-12.

Memphis and Kansas last met in 1987, but both teams recently played Texas.

The Tigers beat Texas as 3 ½-point favorites in the quarterfinals, 85-67. The combined 152 points went ‘over’ the 143-point closing total thanks to the Longhorns fouling Memphis on every possession with four minutes to go and trailing, 67-48.

Kansas and Texas shared the Big 12 championship. The Longhorns downed the Jayhawks during the regular season as a 5 ½-point home ‘dog, 72-69. The combined 141 points went ‘under’ the 147-point closing total.

The Jayhawks got their revenge in the Big 12 Tournament championship game by recording an 84-74 victory as 5 ½-point favorites. The combined 158 points sailed ‘over’ the 136 ½-point closing total.

Kansas hit a tournament-record 15 shots from behind the 3-point arch. Mario Chalmers scored a career-high 30 points for Kansas, sinking eight 3-pointers.

April 7, 2008