NCAA Championship Game

SI Staff | Apr 7, 2009

NCAA Championship Game /

NCAA Championship Game

Roy Williams

Playing in front of the largest crowd to watch an NCAA Tournament final (72,922), North Carolina crushed Michigan State, 89-72.

00.opjf-8719-mid.jpg — John W. McDonough/SI

UNC won their fifth national title in school history and the second in five seasons.

Tyler Hansbrough

With 1:03 remaining, Williams sent in his walk-ons. Hansbrough walked off the court and into the arms of his coach.

Tyler Hansbrough

Tyler Hansbrough and North Carolina jumped out of the gates early and shocked Michigan State.

Wayne Ellington

Ellington scored 17 on 7 of 9 shooting as North Carolina built a 21-point halftime lead.

Kalin Lucas

Kalin Lucas failed to get his team in gear against UNC in the first half.

Wayne Ellington

Wayne Ellington was named the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player

Deon Thompson

North Carolina's 55 points at the half is a championship record and the Tar Heels' 21-point first-half lead is also a championship game record.

Tyler Hansbrough

UNC's Tyler Hansbrough scored 18 points in his final college game.

Ty Lawson

Ty Lawson scored a game-high 21 points against Michigan State.

Roy Williams

North Carolina won all six NCAA tournament games by at least 10 points.

The score never was close. The Tar Heels led by 10 after five minutes and by 20 after 10 minutes.

Ty Lawson

Ty Lawson drew several fouls and was 15-for-18 from the foul line.

The Tar Heels forced 21 turnovers and committed only seven.

Magic Johnson and Larry Bird

At the half, Magic Johnson said it looked like the Spartans suffered from "stage fright" and that North Carolina is simply "a better basketball team."

Published Apr 7, 2009

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