Well I can admit it, I was wrong. If you read my earlier piece from today, you know I predicted that North Carolina would win tonight’s national championship game against Villanova. I said the Tar Heels’ size and their defense would be more than the Wildcats would be able to handle. How off I was! Carolina was on target from behind the three point line in the first half, shooting a scorching 78% from downtown. This hot shooting helped them take a five point lead 39-34 lead into intermission.
In the second half, UNC got up by seven a few times, but as the game marched on, Villanova’s defense dug in, the basket got smaller and Carolina got tighter. The vaunted inside attack of UNC had some moments here and there, but was largely held in check.The Wildcats were able to attack the Carolina big men by putting them on the move defensively. Phil Booth came up big for Villanova with 20 points via timely baskets and big plays.
After falling behind 67-57 with approximately 4 minutes to go, UNC cut it to three at 74-71. Not to be a prisoner of the moment, but what proceeded may arguably be the greatest ending to a title game in tournament history and made this the best game of the college basketball season.
First Marcus Paige did this:
*via busted college
I barely had time to rewind my DVR and watch it when this happened :
Vine via bigcat
Kris Jenkins will never have to pay for drinks in Philadelphia ever again.
