God's Team

I watched some of last year's tournament in a Jacksonville, Florida bar. The decrepit white-haired owner was a big North Carolina fan. After the Heels won their game, he repeatedly screamed, "God's team! God's team!" while clapping wildly. Well, sometimes God faces disappointments in the NCAA Tournament, but I guess that just makes the victories that much sweeter.

UNC raced out to an early lead and never looked back. Michigan State was valiant, cutting the lead significantly in the second half, but never tested the Tar Heels, who set championship games records for most points in the first half and largest halftime lead. Ty Lawson set the record for most steals in a final game. UNC won 89-72.

Only Goran Suton played well for a Michigan State team that turned the ball over entirely too much. UNC featured a balanced attack. Lawson, Hansbrough, and the MOP Wayne Ellington all had good games. Freshman big man Ed Davis was a nice contributor, but hopefully he doesn't jump into the NBA just yet.

Jim Nantz claimed that Michigan State played the toughest road possible in this year's Tournament. Almost. They beat USC, the 10th seed, in the second round. The toughest possible matchup would have been the 7 seed, Boston College. He also mentioned the UNC's senior class advanced one step each tournament run. They lost to George Mason in the 2nd round in 2006; then to Georgetown in the Elite 8 in 2007, which is two steps. Yes, it's anal, but you can get a summary of the game anywhere, I've got to give you something different.

I won $5 from the game. I can't decide whether to invest the money or throw it all away on Slurpees, candy, and women.