If UNC can get past Oklahoma on Sunday, Villanova will be waiting in the Final Four. That's a good sign for the Tar Heels. UNC beat Nova in the tournament in 2005 and 1982.
What do those years have in common?
Scottie Reynolds' runner with 0.5 seconds left lifted the Wildcats to a 78-76 win over Pittsburgh and a spot in the Final Four for the first time since 1985.
Nova, the third seed in the East Regional, almost let the top-seeded Panthers steal the win late. Levance Fields' free throws with 5.5 seconds left tied the game at 76, after Pitt had trailed by four in the final minute.
Reynolds took the inbounds pass and darted up the right sideline and then cut into the lane for a hanging 5-footer over Pitt's defense.
Nova beat American in the first round, UCLA in the second and Duke in the third to get back to the Final Four. The Wildcats have tournament history with the Tar Heels. They almost beat the Heels in 2005, losing 67-66 in the Sweet 16 on a late traveling call.
UNC beat Villanova in the regional final in 1982 and in the second round in 1991.
Of course, the Heels presence could be a good omen for the Wildcats. Nova's national title in 1985 went through UNC in the regional final.
Comments
nova
Sun, 03/29/2009 - 01:17 — george32hope a carolina win motivates capel to stay at ou rather than take the virginia job if offered.
why?
Sun, 03/29/2009 - 09:09 — gvillegatrIf Jeff Capel is any good at coaching, I would prefer him in the ACC. this conference needs him IF he IS truly a good coach.
BUT
Sat, 03/28/2009 - 23:44 — gvillegatrdid I mention i'm closing like the horse who is saving it all for the stretch run in my N&O pool?? from absolutley no where to 2nd place. all final 4 teams in place at the moment. cmon Loserville and UNC!!
jpg, where ya at!?
Think I know where JPG is at.
Sun, 03/29/2009 - 10:02 — JPDOhioThe bottom of the pile, just like me.
not yet
Sat, 03/28/2009 - 23:40 — gvillegatrwe got to worry about OU first.