After three weeks of the most intense college basketball of the year, the University of North Carolina Tar Heels are the 2009 national champions.

The local heroes of Michigan State rocked their home court advantage Saturday, shocking UConn and college basketball fans everywhere with a victory over the Huskies. But last night they faced the toughest team in the nation, the seemingly unstoppable Tar Heels.

The University of North Carolina team returned to the tournament after a tough defeat in last season’s semifinals. This time they ran through the competition, crushing every team in their path by 12 or more points. Their confidence was sky high in front of a record crowd as they hit the court, and within the first few possessions they took control of the game.

Five minutes in UNC was up by 10. Fifteen minutes in they were up 20. They closed out the half 55-34, setting new records for the most points and the largest lead in one half during a championship game.

Returning for the final stretch, The Tar Heel’s point man led the charge by forcing turnovers, setting a tournament championship record with 8 steals. Their stoic big man put up 18 points, becoming the fourth all-time leading scorer in the national tournament with 325 points, adding to his list of records including all-time leading scorer for his conference. When it was all said and done, the scoreboard read 89-72 and UNC’s returning stars had finally realized their dream.

Nike would like to congratulate the University of North Carolina, Michigan State and all our Family members for their passion, toughness and outstanding performances in this year’s tournament.

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