NCAA Men's Basketball FINAL UPDATE
Prior to the tournament, I had not watched a minute of college hoops this year. My bracket had Illinois vs UNC in the Final, with Illinois winning 75-73. It's the first #1 vs #2 regular season ranking matchup in the final since 1975's UCLA vs Kentucky. After watching both teams play, Illinois has the better defense, but UNC has the better offense. If I had to bet, I would take UNC. And I see that they are a 2 1/2 point favorite. Ok, I'll be a turncoat and give the points. We'll see what happens. The final is starting shortly.
Half time UNC 40, Illinois 27. Upon reflection, in the regional final Arizona had Illinois down 15 with under 5 minutes left and pulled an el foldo. Illinois is lucky to be in this game. I don't think Illinois has the guns to run with the Tar Heels, and it really showed in the first half. This could get ugly in the 2nd half.
Final UNC 75 Illinois 70. The Fighting Illini lived up to their name and made a halftime blowout into an entertaining game. UNC had a 15 point lead with 15 minutes to play. Illinois three man backcourt of Deron Williams, Luther Head and Dee Brown utilized their long range shooting by hitting 12 of 40; 3 point attempts. Illinois made it close using their quickness to set screens and move the ball.
But, Illionis could not overcome the Tar Heel's inside game. The Illini hit 39 of 109 from the floor for 36% overall. UNC ran the fast break effectively and took higher percentage shots, hitting 36 of 69 from the floor for 52% overall. Most importantly, UNC outscored Illinois 36-18 in the paint. North Carolina rotated 11 players and inside dominance got UNC 12 of 19 from the charity line, forcing both Illinois centers into foul trouble. Illinois utilizing 7 players was 4-6 from the line.
UNC's Center Sean May scored 26 in the paint and forced Illinois Big 10 tournament MVP Center James Augustine to foul out with 10 minutes to play. Augustine got into foul trouble early and managed only 9 minutes of playing time. His backup, Jack Ingram put in a valiant effort, contributing 11 points, but had 4 fouls by games end. Sean is son of Scott May, who played center for the last undefeated National Champion, the 1976 Indiana Hoosiers.
The younger May led his team in scoring and rebounding for the tournament, while collecting the Championship Trophy and MOP award (Most Outstanding Player). He becomes only the 2nd player to acheive this distinguishment, Kansas Jayhawk Danny Manning was the first in 1988.
For UNC Alumnus and Head Coach Roy Williams, career win #470 shed his bridesmade image. Williams was an assistant coach at North Carolina under Dean Smith in 1982 when the Tar Heels defeated Georgetown in the final. In that memorable title game, a young UNC freshman by the name of Michael Jordan hit the winning shot with 15 seconds left. Its been a stretch of time since that Title game for Williams, who after 23 years and 4 trips to the Final Four with Kansas, finally collected his first national title as a head coach.
Half time UNC 40, Illinois 27. Upon reflection, in the regional final Arizona had Illinois down 15 with under 5 minutes left and pulled an el foldo. Illinois is lucky to be in this game. I don't think Illinois has the guns to run with the Tar Heels, and it really showed in the first half. This could get ugly in the 2nd half.
Final UNC 75 Illinois 70. The Fighting Illini lived up to their name and made a halftime blowout into an entertaining game. UNC had a 15 point lead with 15 minutes to play. Illinois three man backcourt of Deron Williams, Luther Head and Dee Brown utilized their long range shooting by hitting 12 of 40; 3 point attempts. Illinois made it close using their quickness to set screens and move the ball.
But, Illionis could not overcome the Tar Heel's inside game. The Illini hit 39 of 109 from the floor for 36% overall. UNC ran the fast break effectively and took higher percentage shots, hitting 36 of 69 from the floor for 52% overall. Most importantly, UNC outscored Illinois 36-18 in the paint. North Carolina rotated 11 players and inside dominance got UNC 12 of 19 from the charity line, forcing both Illinois centers into foul trouble. Illinois utilizing 7 players was 4-6 from the line.
UNC's Center Sean May scored 26 in the paint and forced Illinois Big 10 tournament MVP Center James Augustine to foul out with 10 minutes to play. Augustine got into foul trouble early and managed only 9 minutes of playing time. His backup, Jack Ingram put in a valiant effort, contributing 11 points, but had 4 fouls by games end. Sean is son of Scott May, who played center for the last undefeated National Champion, the 1976 Indiana Hoosiers.
The younger May led his team in scoring and rebounding for the tournament, while collecting the Championship Trophy and MOP award (Most Outstanding Player). He becomes only the 2nd player to acheive this distinguishment, Kansas Jayhawk Danny Manning was the first in 1988.
For UNC Alumnus and Head Coach Roy Williams, career win #470 shed his bridesmade image. Williams was an assistant coach at North Carolina under Dean Smith in 1982 when the Tar Heels defeated Georgetown in the final. In that memorable title game, a young UNC freshman by the name of Michael Jordan hit the winning shot with 15 seconds left. Its been a stretch of time since that Title game for Williams, who after 23 years and 4 trips to the Final Four with Kansas, finally collected his first national title as a head coach.
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