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:
- Defense. Without tough D, UNC will struggle. This is a broken record, but this is reality.
- Make your free throws! UNC was 22-37 against the Wildcats. Consider this an exception, but we must make our free throws tonight.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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