NCAA previews: Connecticut vs. Michigan State; Michigan vs. Kentucky

SUNDAY’S EAST REGIONAL FINAL

At Madison Square Garden, New York

NO. 7 CONNECTICUT (29-8) VS. NO. 4 MICHIGAN STATE (29-8)

When: 11:20 a.m. PDT. TV: Channel 2.

UPDATE: Branden Dawson is perhaps the best barometer for Michigan State, which is 15-0 when he has scored in double figures. Dawson, a 6-6 junior, is averaging 11.4 points and 8.3 rebounds for the season but 20 points and nine rebounds in NCAA tournament games. Bolstering the Spartans inside is 6-10 senior Adreian Payne, who averages 16.5 points and 7.2 rebounds. Michigan State also has a winner on the bench in Coach Tom Izzo, whose career record in Elite Eight games is 6-1. Michigan State is seeking its first Final Four berth since 2010. Connecticut is paced by Shabazz Napier, a 6-1 senior guard who is the team’s top rebounder (5.9) as well as scorer (17.9). The Huskies are seeking their fourth Final Four appearance since 2004.

SUNDAY’S MIDWEST REGIONAL

At Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis

NO. 2 MICHIGAN (28-8) VS. NO. 8 KENTUCKY (27-10)

When: 2:05 p.m. PDT. TV: Channel 2

UPDATE: There’s nothing like getting hot at exactly the right time, which is exactly what Kentucky has done in the NCAA tournament. The Wildcats are playing their best basketball of the season, having survived – so far – the toughest of the four regionals. Kentucky defeated Kansas State in its opener, then knocked off undefeated Wichita State, the region’s top-seeded team, 78-76, before downing 2013 NCAA champion Louisville, 74-69, on Friday. Freshman Julius Randle is bolstering his NBA stock. The 6-9 power forward leads the nation with 23 double-doubles and is averaging 15.1 points and 10.7 rebounds. Michigan has enjoyed an easier route to the Elite Eight, defeating Wofford and Texas before surviving a late comeback by Tennessee. Michigan nearly blew a 15-point second-half lead against the Volunteers. The Wolverines are paced by Nik Stauskas, a 6-6 sophomore guard who averages 17.3 points. Jordan Morgan, a 6-8 senior forward, is having a strong NCAA tournament.

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