North Carolina set the NCAA Championship record for points in the first half with 55. Michigan State did not score their 55th point until 7.33 to play in the game.
To put that in long distance running terms the Tarheels were near the finish line in a marathon before the Spartans got to the halfway point.
The Heels set the NCAA championship record for biggest lead at the half 21 points.
Ty Lawson had eight steals in the game setting a record for the most ever in a championship game.
Despite shooting only two of their first twelve shots to start the second half Carolina for the first five minutes of the second half played the defense they have played all tournament.
When it reached a twenty point lead with fifteen minutes to play Roy Williams said enough is enough and and let's hold the ball for twenty five second and try to score the last tens seconds each trip down.
Here I am a Wolfpack fans pulling for the Heels and the ACC. I sat back and watched. You Heels fans that recorded the game last night, the next time you look ask this question. What did Carolina do to win the game?
It was plain and simply what Carolina did to the Spartans. They never allowed the guards to get inside the foul line. Every time down court when ever Michigan State rushed up court, when they hit the foul line Carolina forced their guards away for the basket which meant they passed outside to a three point shooters with a Carolina defender on him.
Only twice did Michigan State in the first half take their first shot on any trip down court within 15 feet of the basket. They had a fast break layup once and drove the baseline and scored once. The rest of their first half scores came at the foul line or after they had missed their first long range shot.
If Michigan State thought they could stop Ty, Tyler and Wayne they had a chance. The best player on the court the first ten minutes was Deion Thompson. The game was already over with ten minutes to play in the half.
Michigan State couldn't stop anybody.
Old Roy doesn't get too much credit for most of the time due to the talent he has. I think these six tournament games are Roy Williams finest hour ever as a coach.
When they had to Carolina played defense in this 2009 NCAA tournament they did. That is why they are the Champs. Not because they had the best players but the best defense. They had the best players last year but did they win?
Carolina wins their fifth National Championship. Between State, Duke and Carolina the State of North Carolina has had ten National Championships.
Since 1974 the state has won 9 of 35 nationals titles.
You would think that the term Tobacco Road would be out dated in our society today.
But in college basketball Tobacco road DOMINATES.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
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