The 2 rival fight songs blended in the pregame as NC State and North Carolina play for the ACC title here in Tampa. This turned out to be one whale of a tournament...not quite like the one in 1987 but every game but 2 was interesting to the end. The Tar Heels trim the nets for the first time since 1998 in what Marcus Ginyard called step 2 for Carolina. They shared the regular season title, captured the tournament crown and now the sights are set on Atlanta and the Final 4.
Both teams shot over 54% and were an even 24 in rebounding. But State had too many costly turnovers and Carolina was deadly at the foul line going 23-24. This entertaining game wasn't decided until Ty Lawson answered a press row question...yes he can dunk. Lawson threw down the final shot of the game and North Carolina takes home the trophy. Now on to the next step for both teams.
The Heels were tested this week in Tampa and that can only help as they enter another 1 and done tournament. NC State walks away without the trophy but not empty handed. The Pack grew up themselves saying if they would have played the entire season with as much passion and focus as they did in the ACC tournament things could have been a lot different. Courtney Fells said the Pack proved that they not only can play with anyone in the country, they can beat them. Sidney Lowe said they were hurt but not disappointed. He wants his team to remember this and never want to feel it again. It was a wonderful week of basketball in a hockey building surrounded by palm trees...How can you beat that???
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