The Sandspur

Issue date: 4/8/05 Section: Sports

Media Credit: RICH SUGG / KRT CAMPUS TAR HEELS TAKE THE TITLE: Second ranked North Carolina held onto a 5 point lead to beat first ranked Illinois in the NCAA championship game on Monday

Did you see Sparks' three pointer against the Spartans? Did you see the disappointment in Patino's face when Louisville lost? No? Well, then you obviously haven't been watching the NCAA men's college basketball finals: The Sweet Sixteen, Elite Eight, and Final Four. So many teams were so close to that championship ring, but in the end only two teams made it to the final game on April 4, 2005.

The Tar Heels faced Illinois this past Monday night and the Tar Heels were victorious. North Carolina Coach Roy Williams is very pleased with that new championship trophy he's got in his possession, so pleased that he cried. The championship was the icing on the cake of an amazing 17-year coaching career.

The match up was one for the history books: a battle between two titans, #1 ranked Illinois against #2 ranked North Carolina. What could be better? And what game could have been more highly anticipated than this one? It was an amazingly close game, living up to all the expectations, but in the end North Carolina pulled out a 75-70 victory against the #1 seed. Sean May, Most Outstanding Player, made 10 of the 11 shots he took in addition to scoring a game-high 26 points. Arguably the best 21 birthday anyone's ever had. Within just 10 minutes James Augustine fouled out trying to guard May.

The first half was slow for Illinois; they made only 27% of their shots, and were trailing by 13 at half time. Even though Illinois put up a good fight in the second half they fell behind. They were 15 points behind at one point, but managed to tie the score twice in the last five and a half minutes. Luther Head had a chance to tie the score for the Illini, with 17 seconds left, but he missed a three pointer.

The Illini's 3-point shots were late and bouncing all over the place. They only hit 12 of 40 from long range, and the defense of the Tar Heels was tough to beat.

Illinois was keeping up, warming up is more like it. With 2:34 left to play in the game the score was tied 70-70. At 72-70, Illinois made a grave turnover mistake. Illinois would not score again and the Tar Heels would take their fourth national title. If Illinois had won they would have set the NCAA record for most wins in a season. Unfortunately for them it wasn't to be.

Former player Michael Jordan was in the locker room to congratulate the team.

For Williams this is both a victory for his boys and himself. After many Final Four losses, Williams finally got to shake off his bridesmaid image and take the day for himself.

For all those fans who's lives center on March Madness, the excitement is over. But there's always next year!

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools