As much as we’ve wanted to offer well-researched, detailed analysis of the Final Four, we’ve hesitated, simply because you can get that elsewhere. What you won’t get (and probably don’t want) from the big boys - worthless gambling tips on a sports blog!

Speaking of blogs, how about ESPN sending Chuck Klosterman to the Final Four to blog about whatever pops into his skilled writing mind? Wonder if the network had to spring for an adjoining room to accompany Chuck’s ego. Of course, you won’t be able to comment on his pedantic pop-culture references because he’s a thin-skinned weirdo who apparently hates blogging (after reading the classic Gawker smackdown, make sure to see comment No. 2, which made us wet our pants a bit in laughter). Chuck, ironic detachment is so 2005.

That being said, here’s our gambling advice for the weekend. Feel free to disagree:

Take UCLA +3.

We got the Bruins at 3.5 and it wouldn’t surprise us if UCLA won. The Bruins are far stronger a squad than last year in virtually every category. Collison is a true guard; Farmar was a scoring point. Shipp is the perfect three to neutralize Corey Brewer. UCLA just stopped the best offensive team in the tournament, and forced them into 53 turnovers. Key to Florida, as always, is Lee Humphrey. If he hits five triples, Gators win. Four or fewer and UCLA takes it.

Take Georgetown -1

Mike Conley is a lot like UNC’s Ty Lawson - skilled at penetrating into the lane and creating. Lawson couldn’t do that against Georgetown because of the tall and long zone. Conley probably won’t be able to, either. The one thing that frightens me is that the Buckeyes have better shooters than UNC in Lewis and Butler. Hibbert-Oden will be a wash, but OSU gets the edge because Othello Hunter is better garbage man than not-as-frequently-used freshman Vernon Macklin. Biggest question for the Buckeyes - can Ivan Harris (or Hunter or Matt Terwilliger) prevent Jeff Green from dominating? Green reminds me of Tim Duncan - great passer, great utilization of the bank shot, money in the lane and he plays smart.

Your non-gambling related Final Four links:

At Georgetown, a Player and His Ignominious Mark (NY Times)
Straight off the Compton Farm (LA Times)