Breaking Down the Final Four Matchups

Posted Mar 30, 2009
Villanova vs. North Carolina, Saturday, 8:47 p.m.: First one to 100 points wins? This matchup of fast-tempo teams will certainly have aesthetic appeal. But this will clearly be Villanova’s toughest test of the tournament, as UNC can match the Wildcats’ depth and athleticism. The Tar Heels will have a size advantage inside with Tyler Hansbrough and the Ed Davis, but Villanova was able to neutralize size with speed all season. (New York Times)

Related: Basketball, Basketball Recruiting

Jarin Stevenson's Versatility Critical For New-Look Tar Heels
Chapel Hill native Jarin Stevenson enter his senior season with no Caleb Wilson or Henri Veesaar, a new coach, and a fresh group of teammates...
Mon Sep 7, 2026

Big expectations: Inside Michael Malone’s retooling of UNC’s frontcourt
The centerpiece of UNC Basketball's rebuild is Sayon Keita, a 7-foot-1, 205-pound prospect Michael Malone scouted personally in Huelva, Spain, shortly after taking the job...
Sun Sep 6, 2026

Michael Malone on first transfer portal experience: ‘I felt like I was Keanu Reeves in The Matrix’
The Tar Heels, who had a laundry list of candidates, eventually reached a deal with NBA Champion head coach Michael Malone, which was a landmark...
Sun Sep 6, 2026

Scorers, shooters, and facilitators: Michael Malone’s backcourt takes shape
"When that portal opened the day I got the job, it seems like five months ago, we addressed the backcourt,” Michael Malone said at a...
Sun Sep 6, 2026