The highly acclaimed winning streak of the Memphis Tigers seems to be closely related to its two major boosters: the freshman point guard Derrick Rose and junior Chris Douglas-Roberts. The two had a combined 53 points against UCLA.

Memphis has won its last three games by a safe average of 17 points, adding to their current positive and title-winning mentality. The “victims” were Texas, Michigan State and UCLA. The team now has its first chance at a national championship against Kansas, which also won against North Carolina in the second semifinal (84 – 66).

Derrick Rose is very appreciated by all teammates for his physical abilities, skills and also court vision. He has received good reviews from NBA analysts and coaches alike. The 25 points scored against UCLA (also 9 rebounds and 4 assists) showed once again why he is expected to be one of the NBA’s draft top picks.

He "makes it much easier for me. Last year, a team could double-team me and try to take me out of the game. Now if you double-team me, he's going to get you on the drive, and with rebounds. He finds a way to be effective on the floor. That's what he's done for us the whole year. … But he's really stepped it up in this tournament," Douglas-Roberts said as quoted by USA Today.

Douglas-Roberts scored the game-high 28 points, maintaining his average over the 23 points line. The 6-7 player has shown great improvement from the free-throw line, shooting over 85%.

The two promise to continue pleasing the crowds in upcoming games as they join the championship race for the first time since 1973.