The run was coming.  The Tar Heels had watched their lead fall from 11-3.  And Brice Johnson had just turned an over-the-back violation into a technical foul as he tossed the ball over his head in disgust, and the Irish hit the technical FTs and a layup on the next drive to finish a 12-0 run to take the lead.  And the Lunatic thought – here it comes.  Then something amazing happened.

Marcus Paige made a nice shot to get back the lead, and then what might have been the pivotal play of the game.  UNC’s Theo Pinson stole the ball from Bonzie Colson at the top of the key, and fell on the ball to call time-out and get the possession.   And with the Tar Heels now going small, the momentum changed again, the Tar Heels scored the next 10 points to finish their own 12-0 run and get back their 11 point lead.   And then, the Tar Heels never looked back – partially thanks to beating the Irish to almost every rebound.

Congratulations to North Carolina for a fantastic victory to earn a trip to the Final Four.   And so our four contestants in Houston are set.   Big East regular season champion Villanova will take on Oklahoma and their superstar, Buddy Hield.   And the ACC champion North Carolina will take on a Syracuse team, who has taken the gift given to them by the Selection Committee as one of the worst RPI teams in history to get an at-large bid and has played as champions.

Three of the four teams remaining have held weeks at #1 in the polls throughout the season.  And Syracuse certainly won’t be intimidated by any of them – with their hall of fame coach leading them.   Good luck to the Wildcats, Sooners, Tar Heels and Orange!!!!   It should be a fantastic Final Four worthy of what has been a fantastic tournament.