UNC 75, Illinois 70
What a game. Of course Illinois made a run as expected. In fact, they caught fire for the first 15 minutes of the second half. Deron Williams couldn't miss and Luther Head was on fire too. Illinois cut the lead to 7 at the 10 minute mark, but we kept fighting back. Then with 5 to go they tied it up! It didn't look good for us at that point. The momentum had swung in Illinois' favor, but we continued to make big plays.
Sean May was just unstoppable. We went to him like 6 straight times down the court and Illinois had no answer. Illinois best big man, James Augustine, was in foul trouble all game and fouled out with 0 points on only 9 minutes of play. May scored 26 points (tying his Dad Scott May during his championship game in '76), but Sean ended with 10 rebounds (2 more than his dad). I was concerned after we repeatedly went to May that our outside shooters would get cold. And I think that actually helped Illinois get back in the game. That and the fact that the refs wouldn't call a moving screen to save their lives. Illinois players were doing running screens and the refs didn't call it. This made for some wide open 3's for Illinois.
But in the end, Felton came up HUGE with a big steal in the final minutes and made 3 key free throws. Luther Head had an open look for a 3 from the side to tie, but it banged off the rim.
First championship for UNC in 12 years....First championship for Coach Williams....Fitting end for the 3 seniors that experienced an 8-20 season….Tourney MVP for Sean May….Maybe this will shut-up all the critics that said Carolina has the most talent in the country, but not the best team.
