Tonight was a game for the ages.  Several records were broken and milestones reached during UNC’s march to the top spot in the 2009 NCAA tournament, and to top it off for Heel fans, this game was decided in the first half.

Tale of the first half:

Carolina came out of the gate looking like the more focused and better prepared team.  In the opening 20 minutes, UNC’s defense was very effective in limiting Michigan, as they shot 46% in the first half while netting only 34 points.  The two main reasons for this was the superior rebounding by the Heels and the inability of Michigan to hold onto the ball.  They turned the ball over 14 times while allowing UNC to add 17 points from those mistakes.  Star Heel guard Ty Lawson accounted for 7 of those 14 turnovers, as he set a new record for steals in the NCAA championship game.  He finished the game with a total of 8 steals.  UNC’s size up front bothered the Spartans, and the Heels pulled down 11 defensive rebounds, limiting Michigan to mostly “one-and-done” possessions for the first half.

Michigan State’s defense in the first half was allowing UNC anything they wanted, and if the Heels didn’t get it on the first try, they usually had another shot because they were dominating the offensive glass.  UNC had eight second chance points thanks to six offensive rebounds.  They were making the Spartans pay for their lack of size up front, as the Heels outscored the Spartan’s in the paint 16-6.  The Tar Heels shot 53% in the first half, and ended up with 55 points (a new record for the NCAA championship game).  Michigan State only managed 34 points, making a deficit of 21 points (also a new record).

In the second half, the Spartans tightened up their defense, and allowed the Heels only 34 points, but the damage was too great.  Despite Michigan outscoring the Heels 38-34 in the second half, the closest they came was within 13 points.  The game ended with a final score of 89-72, and both teams were able to play their reserves.

Goran Suton ended up with a double double for Michigan, netting 17 points and 11 rebounds.  Ty Lawson finished with a game high 21 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, and 8 steals for the Heels.  Tyler Hansbrough finished with 18 points and 7 rebounds.  This is Roy Williams’s second title with UNC since becoming the head coach in 2003.