Detroit
07 April 2009
North Carolina head coach Roy Williams, center, celebrates with his team after their 89-72 victory over Michigan State, 7 Apr 2009 |
North Carolina, which was making its record 18th appearance at the Final Four, started Monday night's title game in high gear. Unfazed by the wildly partisan Michigan State crowd, the Tar Heels hit six of their first seven shots and jumped out to a 17-7 lead. The 72,922 fans set a new record for the tournament championship game.
Michigan State helped by turning the ball over 14 times in the first half. North Carolina Coach Roy Williams gave credit to his defense and Ty Lawson's record eight steals.
"Down the stretch this year, we've been pretty doggone good," he said. "And, Ty was a huge part of that tonight. When he is really active, it is the front line of our defense and he is fantastic."
North Carolina continued to dominate, getting 17 points from Wayne Ellington to go up by as much as 24 points before ending the first half, with a 55-34 lead. The team's offensive explosion broke the old NCAA record of 53 points in a half. Michigan State's Travis Walton talks about falling behind early.
Travis Walton talks to reporters after game, 7 Apr 2009 |
North Carolina slowed down the pace of the game in the second half, content to take time off the clock and maintain the lead. Michigan State never really threatened, getting no closer than a 13-point deficit before North Carolina took the title, 89-72.
Ty Lawson led North Carolina in scoring with 21 points, while Ellington - who ended the game with 19 points - was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player. He talks about winning the award.
Wayne Ellington talks to reporters after team win in finals, 7 Apr 2009 |
Goran Suton led all Michigan State scorers with 17 points. The victory was North Carolina's fifth national championship.