Carolina Escapes Oregon, Advances to National Championship
A game that probably would have been better as the National Championship, took place Saturday in the National Semi-Final. This, Oregon’s first Final Four since 1939, took on the Tar Heels of Chapel Hill in Phionix.
The one main thing you need to know about this game is that free throws, were, key. It all came down to free throws, Meeks was sent to the line with 5.8 left, went 0-2, then Berry went to the charity stripe with 4 seconds left, he missed, offensive rebound, Carolina victory. Throughout the game, Oregon shot 25-28, UNC shot 19-27, 19-23 before the final 6 seconds of the game.
The situation of a close game wouldn’t have been possible without Tyler Dorsey knocking down the 3 with 45 seconds left, cutting the lead to 3. Off the Carolina miss the next time down, Oregon put in the work on the defensive rebounds, advances the ball to a 2-1, finds Keith Smith, one-point game.
The biggest thing for Carolina throughout the tournament is getting big numbers from key players. Meeks was huge this game for UNC posting 25 points and 14 rebounds. Justin Jackson did just as well, posting 22 points. Against Gonzaga, that presence will be much needed, especially with their guard play and big men.
Carolina advances to play Gonzaga in the National Championship Monday night. Back to back years for Carolina, vengeance is key in this run and they want this more than anyone.
For continued coverage of the Final Four, stay with Upstate Sports Zone… @upstate_sports
By Jake Martino
