Staff writer Robert Willett
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — UNC looked like a veteran NCAA Tournament, one that has been there and done that. Now, the Tar Heels are going to do it again.
Carolina's experience helped control Oklahoma from tip-off to the final horn in the NCAA South Regional in Memphis. As a result of its 72-60 victory at FedExForum, UNC advances to its 18th Final Four. It will play Villanova at approximately 8:47 p.m. on Saturday in Detroit.
The Heels jumped out to a 13-2 lead and kept Oklahoma at arms length for the entire game despite foul trouble by star forward Tyler Hansbrough (8 points), who was out-played by Blake Griffin (23 points).
But it didn't matter. Not with Ty Lawson getting 19 points, Danny Green chipping in 18 and the team playing solid defense.
The Sooners were hurt in the first half by their 3-point shooting (0-9), which was so successful (9-21) in Friday's rout of Syracuse.
Trailing 61-40 in the second half after UNC's Deon Thompson scored on an inside move, OU tried to make it interesting, peeling off a 9-0 run to cut it to 61-49. But two free throws by Lawson padded the Tar Heels' cushion.
All-region team:
Jonny Flynn, Syracuse
Tyler Hansbrough, UNC
Blake Griffin, Oklahoma
Danny Green, UNC
Ty Lawson, UNC (Most outstanding player)
Robbi Pickeral has covered ACC sports for The News & Observer since 2003. She can be reached at 
Comments
Congrats to the Tar Heels
Mon, 03/30/2009 - 10:52 — JPDOhioThey looked like a National Championship team to me. I expected a better game from Oklahoma, but I have to give credit to UNC. The Tar Heels won it, the Sooners did not lose it.
I have questioned Ty Lawson's toughness in the past, but that is in the past. He has made a believer out of me. Hopefully, we can now avoid multiple updates on his toe, as that problem is obviously under control.
UNC clearly has the weapons to make a run to the National Championship, although the path won't be easy. This is a solid Final Four group and any one of the remaining teams can win it. The key still is Lawson. As long as he maintains his current level of play, others will fill in the gaps and the Tar Heels will be tough to beat.
Careful
Tue, 03/31/2009 - 10:50 — heelsno1They do not award anyone a trophy for getting to Detroit. 'Nova will be tough to beat. If the Tar Heels continue to play hard and maintain focus as a team at both ends of the court, our chances are solid.
UNC is SO Balanced
Sun, 03/29/2009 - 22:59 — topping241and this item will continue to help Carolina tremendously in Detroit! Go Heels!
OK is good
Sun, 03/29/2009 - 21:39 — jeromfitzbut not good enough to beat the defensive minded Tar Heels. Blake got his points but the defense was effective enough to slow down his teammates. Blake is definitely a superstar NBA player. If he goes anytime, he might be the first choice of the draft. Carolina done what they had to do to win the game inside and outside. Kept the pace uptempo at times and break it back down. I was happy for Danny Green performance after miserable NCAAs first three games. He like ended his skid but Ellington had like an off game but played great defense. I can't wait to the two and rest put it all together for awesome two more game performance. See the Heels in Detroit throwing it down!
Blake Griffin
Sun, 03/29/2009 - 20:09 — robertmccarsonIs an awesome basketball player but Carolina was too much for him. His teammates did not help him
clark kellog
Sun, 03/29/2009 - 19:40 — kilburgdoes clark kellog drive anyone else crazy? GO HEELS!!
Clark Kellogg makes me miss
Sun, 03/29/2009 - 22:03 — benjaminaClark Kellogg makes me miss Billy Packer and that is saying something!!!!!
BUT
Sun, 03/29/2009 - 19:30 — gvillegatrBlake Griffin was good if not great. I thought the refs were way too quick to call fouls against UNC for him, though.
But, i'm sure thats the way ncsu fans feel every time they watch their team play any opponent.
snooze but effective!
Sun, 03/29/2009 - 19:23 — gvillegatrthe game was taken out of UNC's hands by the refs the entire first half and a little in the 2nd half.
Did not matter, though.
UNC is sooo good.
Hold one guy down (Tyler) and we come at ya in droves with others. ABC'ers will be at its most heightened level (ever) all this week.
Be prepared Tar Heel fans!!
ABCers
Sun, 03/29/2009 - 19:27 — melvinfurdGatr, I've been used to it & prepared for it for a LONG time. I graduated from UNC in '67 and the ABCers were around long before that. Kind of like cockroaches . . .