Men’s Final

* What to watch for: A game involving two slightly different teams than when they last met -- a 77-61 Georgia Tech rout of then-No. 1 ranked UConn in the preseason NIT semifinals on Nov. 26 -- as the Huskies played without freshman forward Charlie Villanueva, who was dealing with eligibility issues (and All-American center Emeka Okafor was slowed by back spasms) and the Yellow Jackets had not yet gained the services of transfer guard Will Bynum. Georgia Tech may take a page from ACC rival Duke’s playbook as the Blue Devils frustrated the Huskies on Saturday by overplaying on defense and forcing 18 turnovers. Connecticut, though, will need to keep Okafor out of early foul trouble and take advantage of his matchup in the post with Yellow Jacket center Luke Schenscher. With Okafor, the nation’s leading shot blocker, owning the paint, expect Georgia Tech to shoot with aplomb from beyond the arc.

* Key to the game: If Okafor stays out of foul trouble and is his usual shot-altering self, UConn should leave the Alamodome with its second national title in six years. But if a much-improved Schenscher frustrates Okafor and the Yellow Jacket guards are hitting from three-point territory, things could get interesting.

* Projected winner: Connecticut.

-- Paul Gutierrez