MINNEAPOLIS -- On the strength of an extremely impressive performance, Arizona moves on to the final game with an 80-61 victory. And what an emotional ride it has been for the Wildcats.

Lute Olson married his beautiful bride, his high school sweetheart, Bobbi Olson, here in Minneapolis.

Think about it: Lute Olson -- from Augsburg College here in Minneapolis, who married his beautiful bride, his high school sweetheart, Bobbi Olson, here in Minneapolis -- has an opportunity to win the national championship in this very city.

Lute and Bobbi were married for 47 years before she died Jan. 1 after a battle with cancer. Arizona fans at the Metrodome were wearing buttons galore that said simply, "Four Bobbi." She was a mom away from home for many Wildcat players.

What a performance by those players Saturday against Michigan State. They did it with phenomenal defense -- absolutely incredible defensive tenacity -- and dominant guard play. The Spartans could not make a perimeter shot.

What a phenomenal job by Arizona point guard Jason Gardner, who was the MVP of the game. He controlled the tempo and knocked down three big 3-pointers in the first half.

Gardner was the star of stars -- he played brilliantly, orchestrating the offense and doing the job defensively as well.

And then there was balance galore in the Wildcats' front court: Michael Wright and Loren Woods were strong, and Richard Jefferson was sensational defensively and offensively, scoring 17 points.

It was a total team effort. Lute Olson's kids played a fantastic basketball game against a tough opponent in Michigan State, the defending national champs. For the Spartans, it was Struggle City for Charlie Bell (1-for-10) and Jason Richardson (2-for-11).

Now the stage is set for Lute Olson, the sentimental favorite in Minneapolis, as he and the Wildcats move on to the title game.