The Cardinals are not only the favorites to win the national championship, they've become sentimental favorites, as well, after rallying around Kevin Ware, the guard whose compound leg fracture in last week's regional final turned stomachs, while also warming hearts and setting the story line for this week in Atlanta.

WSJ: Final Four: It's Louisville and The Other Guys

The Scots have been warming up in the Dubai sunshine since 23 November, while Afghanistan reached the final of the Asian Games earlier this month, losing to Bangladesh.

BBC: Scotland ready for Afghanistan test in ICC final