2012 First Four Preview -- Cal vs South Florida

When you watch the last First Four game Wednesday evening at 9 PM EST, it will feel like you went back to the past because scoring will come at a premium. In this matchup, the California Golden Bears (24-9) will take on the South Florida Bulls (20-13). The winner of this game will play the Temple Owls on Friday in the Midwest Regional.

The South Florida Bulls are one of the best defensive teams in the country. They play at the slowest tempo out of any team in the tournament. There defense is so solid that they won twenty games without anyone on the team averaging double figures in points. What they do have is a tremendous amount of athleticism to shut the other team down. Freshman guard Anthony Collins plays well beyond his years and ensures that the tempo of this game will be played at a snail's pace.

The California Golden Bears have four different players that are good offensive options on the team that average in double figures in points: Allen Crabbe (15.3), Jorge Gutierrez (13.1), Justin Cobbs (12.9), and Harper Kamp (11.3). The key is that they must not rush their shots against South Florida's defense.

California is favored by 2 1/2 points in this game. However, I think that Cal will not be able to deal with the physical style that South Florida plays. I am picking South Florida to win this one outright. Also, definitely take the under for this game.