David Jones



There’s a great storyline for this championship battle: the home underdogs facing off against the talent-soaked Tar Heels.

The Spartans will need to pick their spots to run with North Carolina. The excitement of the crowd could tempt Michigan State to get into a track meet against the favorite. The Tar Heels will look to repeat their hot 3-point shooting (11-of-22) from Saturday's semi-final victory over Villanova.

The nerves of a title game will likely effect the shooting a little in this matchup. Michigan State's defensive scheme should enable the club to contain North Carolina's perimeter game. While it would be a great way to finish the script if the home side pulled off the upset, but common sense says the Heels end MSU’s tourney run.

Final score prediction: North Carolina 77, Michigan State 72