THE MATCHUP

STARTERS

KEY RESERVES

*--* SYRACUSE Ht Wt Stats Pos KANSAS Ht Wt Stats Hakim Warrick 6-8 205 15.1 ppg F Nick Collison 6-9 255 18.5 ppg Carmelo 6-8 220 22.3 ppg F Keith 6-4 205 15.8 ppg Anthony Langford Craig Forth 7-0 265 3.3 rpg C Jeff Graves 6-9 275 6.5 rpg Gerry McNamara 6-2 172 90.9 ft% G Aaron Miles 6-1 175 6.4 apg Kueth Duany 6-6 185 11.0 ppg G Kirk Hinrich 6-3 190 17.4 ppg

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*--* Jeremy McNeil, 6-8 242 98 blks Bryant Nash, 6-6 205 3.0 ppg C F Josh Pace, G 6-5 190 4.2 ppg Michael Lee, 6-3 215 4.7 ppg G

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How they match up: Syracuse’s ordinary but highly effective 2-3 zone defense will be put to the test by Kansas’ high-octane transition game, which is averaging 82.6 points a game in the tournament. If the Orangemen cannot slow the Jayhawks, “we’d be in trouble,” said Syracuse Coach Jim Boeheim. Still, Kansas has no obvious answer for Syracuse freshman small forward Carmelo Anthony (6 feet 8, 220 pounds), who will be guarded by sophomore Keith Langford (6-4, 205). “We’re going to play man-to-man [defense]. If we go to zone, it’s because we’re in foul trouble,” said Kansas Coach Roy Williams. The confidence level of both teams is at a season high -- especially since Syracuse lost its season opener and Kansas started out only 3-3. Syracuse has had much success against Big 12 teams this season, going 4-0 against teams in Kansas’ conference, including a 95-84 victory over Texas in the national semifinals Saturday. The Jayhawks have not played a team from the Big East.

Keys to the game: It will be the experience and nerve of senior-laden Kansas against the youth and verve of freshman-dominated Syracuse. Both teams will be playing with heightened senses of urgency -- Kansas because of its seniors and the possibility of Williams leaving for North Carolina, Syracuse because it might be Anthony’s final game before turning pro. As for the Xs and O’s, Kansas’ ability to get its running game in gear will hinge on getting stops to set up long outlet passes. That’s no simple task against the well-rounded game of Anthony, who, as he was against Texas, will again be guarded by a player four inches shorter, and is just as comfortable launching three-pointers from NBA range as he is driving to the basket. If Kansas is able to run, though, Syracuse’s lane-clogging zone defense could become a moot point.

-- Paul Gutierrez