A look at Final Four matchups

Rebounding, size, pace are areas of interest for today’s games

GLENDALE — This year’s Final Four has some intriguing matchups that will decide if Gonzaga or South Carolina and North Carolina or Oregon get through to Monday’s title game.

Here’s a few to keep an eye on:

Oregon’s defensive rebounding vs. UNC on the offensive glass

The Tar Heels were the national leader on the offensive glass during the regular season, snatching 15.74 per game, nearly a full rebound more than the next-closest team. North Carolina cleans up nearly 42 percent of its misses, so their best offensive play is often a missed shot.

The Ducks have two starters taller than 6-foot-4 and were 114th nationally in clearing off defensive rebounds.

South Carolina’s front court vs. Gonzaga’s bigs

Gonzaga has a massive 1-2 punch up from with Przemek Karnowski and Zach Collins. At 7-foot-1, 300 pounds, Karnowski may be the biggest player in the country. Collins is an athletic 7-foot freshman who can score inside, outside and may be the best NBA prospect in the Final Four.

South Carolina counters with Maik Kotsar and Chris Silva.

Kotsar is 6-10, but gives up more than 50 pounds to Karnowski. Silva is an inch shorter and more than 75 pounds lighter than Gonzaga’s big man.

Pace game, Oregon vs. North Carolina

The Ducks are often thought of as a fast-paced, high-flying team. They are high fliers, but a fast pace is not their thing. Oregon has an adjusted tempo that’s 241st nationally and was able to slow Kansas and Michigan, two fast-paced teams, on its way to the Final Four.

North Carolina, on the other hand, is one of the fastest teams in the country. The Tar Heels love to get out and run under any circumstance.