UNC 89, Michigan State 72. NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!!!

Go Heels!

I watched the game with my college roomie at the Dean Dome...great experience. The Dean Dome was literally shaking! Great experience, and I had great company.

The game, from a purist point of view, was not that exciting unless you wore the shade of Carolina Blue. The Heels dominated the first 10 minutes of the game, leading at one time by a score of 34-11. So how did the Heels do it?

1. Ty Lawson, Mr. Point guard. He was my pick for the Final Four MOP, especially since he had 7 steals in the first half. He is the best 5 foot 11 inch point guard of all time. Super strong, super fast, and super smart.
2. Wayne Ellington, Mr. Shooting guard. He's a deadly scorer. He won the MOP, and he has won the hearts of the Tar Heel Nation.
3. Psycho T....Mr. Intensity. I really believe that his presence makes everyone else on the court a better player.
4. Deon Thompson, Mr. Role player. He led the team the first 10 minutes of the game with his shooting touch and rebounding skills.
5. Roy Williams, Mr. UNC. His tenure at UNC has been more exciting than any other 6 years of Carolina basketball history. The man can recruit, he can motivate, and he can flat out coach.

I'd like to say goodbye to our Seniors.....they were all special. Frasor accepted his role off the bench, being regulated as a backup his last 3 years. Mike Copeland, who may not have played much, kept things loose in the locker room and on the bench. Danny Green, with his exciting play, could really hit the open 3 when the game is on the line. Tyler Hansbrough...not enough can be said about this Senior, so I will just say "Thank you" for his 4 years of service.

Ellington and Lawson are probably heading to the pros. We should accept this as their right, and just be thankful that they came back to UNC so we can get the National Championship.

Teamwork wins National Championships, and UNC had the best team concept in the college basketball this year.

Go HEELS!!!

UNC vs Michigan State, tonight at 9:20 p.m.

The only time I like playing these late night games is when we play for the National Championship.



Don't assume that the Heels will win the National Championship....it's just too early for us to "hang up the banner" until the game has been played. Many people assume that we will tonight because we blew out Michigan State earlier this year. Michigan State is a different team now...back in December, they came off a long road trip and were exhausted, plus they played without Suton. He's back, and the team is now on a roll.

Keys to a UNC victory:

1. Defense. Without tough D, UNC will struggle. This is a broken record, but this is reality.
2. Make your free throws! UNC was 22-37 against the Wildcats. Consider this an exception, but we must make our free throws tonight.
3. Feed the monster. Hansbrough has been okay during the tournament, but he's due for a big night. Pound the ball inside and feed Psycho T.
4. Don't force jump shots. UNC's perimeter game carried the Heels to the Championship game. Ellington, Green, and Lawson were on fire. Don't expect 11-22 from 3 point land tonight. If we get 7 3-pointers tonight, I'll be happy.
5. Get the early lead. When UNC obtains the early lead, we can dictate the tempo of the game. Michigan State is not as explosive in the transition game as the Heels. If the game becomes a half-court matchup, the Heels will be in for a long night.

UNC has the better talent, and they have Hansbrough, Green, and Frasor playing their last game for the Heels. Ellington and Lawson may be playing their last game tonight. Expect a strong effort from the Heels. Michigan State has the homecourt advantage, but the Heels very seldom are rattled by being the road team. Michigan State is not only playing for themselves, but they are playing for a state that has been decimated by economic woes (highest unemployment in the nation). North Carolina has the 4th highest unemployment, so this point may be moot.

Final Prediction: UNC 82, Michigan State 72.

UNC 83, Villanova 69

Go Heels!

Who would have thought that the Heels would beat Villanova by 14, and, at the same time...

1. Be out-rebounded.
2. Be out-scored in the paint.
3. Commit the same amount of turnovers as their opponents.
4. Shoot 40.3% from the field for the entire game.
5. Miss 15 free throws.

That's why we play the game! On paper, the Heels were impressive in the first half, shooting 58%. Ellington was on fire, and Green played a very respectable game.

The Heels will play for the National Championship tonight. Be prepared for anything that might occur!