Russell Robinson vs. Derrick Rose

Talk at the Final Four is that depending on which team ends up with the No. 1 pick, Rose, and not Kansas State’s Michael Beasley, could go first. Strong, long and quick, he takes it to the hoop as well as any guard. This qualifies as the toughest defensive assignment of Robinson’s career, and he has had many.

Edge: Memphis.

Mario Chalmers vs. Antonio Anderson

Chalmers seldom has to deal with the length facing him tonight, but he tends to have his best games in the biggest situations. A terrific defender who took UCLA’s Darren Collison out of the semifinal, the 6-foot-6 Anderson is exceptional in transition and has a terrific vertical leap. He’s a glue guy.

Edge: Kansas.

Brandon Rush vs. Chris Douglas-Roberts

Two of the tournament’s most versatile scorers, both impending first-round draft choices, square off. His threes weren’t falling against North Carolina, so Rush did his best above-the-rim work of the season. Douglas-Roberts is an extremely clever scorer from a variety of places on the court, including at the free-throw line.

Edge: Even.

Darrell Arthur vs. Robert Dozier

Arthur grabbed nine defensive rebounds in the semifinal, and most of them came in heavy traffic. Before the tournament, he never had more than two games in a row without scoring in double figures. The streak is at four now. Long arms and quick feet make Dozier a versatile defender.

Edge: Kansas.

Darnell Jackson vs. Joey Dorsey

Jackson came up huge down the stretch against North Carolina. In the locker room after the game, Memphis coach John Calipari was quick to credit Dorsey with playing a huge part in the victory against UCLA, and Dorsey didn’t score a point. He did have 15 rebounds, two blocked shots and two assists and played terrific physical defense on Kevin Love.

Edge: Memphis.

Bench

Sherron Collins loves the ball in his hands at the end of games, and he knew what to do with it at the end of the North Carolina game. Sasha Kaun is playing the best basketball of his career, and Cole Aldrich played the game of his life in the semifinal. Iowa State transfer Shawn Taggart, an inside-outside threat, played 22 minutes and scored the team’s only seven bench points against UCLA.

Edge: Kansas.