UNC 98, Michigan State 63
Michigan State Head Coach Tom Izzo summed things up nicely when he said, "You didn't see our real team tonight, but our real team might have lost by 20. They're definitely one of the best teams I've seen in my 25 years at Michigan State."
My biggest concern coming into the season and even through the first 3 games of the season was that the Tar Heels this year would be an identical team to last year's team. And while we went 36-3, we didn't quite have the moxy it took to go to the championship. I can say after watching the last 4 games that this isn't last year's team. We are better at every position and every player is better. From Ty Lawson to Deon Thompson, each player is more mature, experienced and well better. And this game showed it in spades as we beat the #12 team in the country by 35 points.
Ty Lawson continued his All-American level play with 17 points, 2-3 from three (including a couple from really deep), 8 assists, 7 steals and ZERO turnovers. I've always thought Ty should be considered the top point guard in the country. Finally tonight even Dickie V was saying that.
Tyler Hansbrough didn't disappoint either. He scored a game high 25 points including going 13-13 from the free throw line! He had the only double-double of the game after getting 11 rebounds too.
Danny Green, Will Graves, Deon Thompson and Ed Davis also had nice games.
Things sure are looking good for the Heels right now, but I'll remind everyone that no matter how well we play now it doesn't guarantee a championship. The NCAA Tournament history is littered with "can't be beat teams" that didn't win the final game. So lets not crown our favorite team just yet. Let's just enjoy these blowouts!
