North Carolina 69 vs. 72 Kansas summary: stats and highlights | NCAA Championship

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The Kansas Jayhawks are National Champions for the fourth time in program history after coming back from a 15 point half time deficit. David McCormack led KU with 15 points and a couple clutch baskets late in the game.

Kansas avenges 1957 title game

It was the second time these two legendary programs met in the National Title game. This time the Jayhawks got the best of the Tar Heels and, while this matchup didn’t need three overtimes like the game in 1957, it had plenty of drama until the very end.

The Jayhawks made the biggest comeback in NCAA history after being down 16 in the late stages of the first half to win their first Championship since 2008.

Kansas looked the more eager side early, banging the ball inside with McCormack and getting good looks around the basket. They went up as many as six in the first few minutes but then Armando Bacot took over.

Carolina crushed KU on boards in 1st half

The Tar Heel big man twisted his ankle in the late stages of the Final Four game against Duke, but other than a slight hobble the affects of the injury were unnoticed. He continued to crash the boards as you would expect from one of the best rebounders in the country.

At the end of the first half he had already secured a double double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. It was his record tying 31st double double of the year, tying David Robinson who set the record when he played at Navy in 1986.

Bacot was banging inside, but it was Brady Manek who spurred the Tar Heels into a 16-0 run that stretched the lead out in the final minutes of the first half. While the UNC offense was lights out the defense was sensational. They allowed just three Kansas points and just one field goal in the final six minutes of the first half to take a 40-25 lead into the break.

KU came back with immediate response

The Jayhawks needed to respond in the second half and did so in the blink of an eye. In the first seven minutes Kansas chipped the lead from 15 to just a point. Remy Martin gave the Jayhawks their first lead since it was 18-16 with 10 minutes to go in the game.

Kansas kept control of the lead until there were under two minutes in the game. Brady Manek had a tap in to put the Tar Heels back up 69-68 with 1:41 to go. David McCormack was huge all night and came up with a bucket to give Kansas the one point advantage with 1:21 left.

On the next Carolina possession, Bacot drove to the basket but pulled up after twisting that already injured ankle that he suffered in the Duke game. He went to the sideline in tears knowing his night was over.

McCormack comes through in the clutch

With Bacot out, Kansas went back to their big man who drained a jump hook to stretch the lead to three with 22 seconds to go. A failed trip down the court for UNC seemed to cap the game for the Jayhawks, but DaJuan Harris stepped out of bounds on the in bound play to give UNC life. Caleb Love got the last look, but his three fell short as the buzzer sounded.

The National Championship trophy is heading back to Phogg Allen for the first time since 2008 after five different players scored in double digits. McCormack had a 15 and 10 while Jalen Wilson chipped in another 15. Ochai Agbaji, who was named the Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player had 12 points.

Kansas Join Univeristy of Connecticut with four titles, which puts them at a tie for sixth most all time.

KU sealed the largest comeback in NCAA Championship history.

Bacot reinjured that twisted ankle in the final minute of the game and was obviously emotional about his early departure.

Manek and the Heels hitting the boards hard to give UNC the lead with under 2 left.

What an important three ball this was by Martin with the clock running down.

Wilson finished the game tied for a game high of 15 points.

Johnson had to fill in for Black who had 4 fouls with 12 minutes to go. The sophomore put in 11 points and had some big defensive plays to keep UNC in the game.

Martin and Wilson combined for five points in the span of seconds to get the Superdome rocking.

When they need a big bucket, KU goes to Agbaji.

The UNC lead shrank from 15 to one in seven minutes and change.

KU didn't push the ball in the first half. They changed that in the second half.

McCormack set the tone out of the gate for KU in the first half.

Back to back three ball by Manek got the Tar Heels started on a 16-0 run in the late stages of the first half.

Bacot had a double double in the first half with 12 and 10 rebounds.

Carolina used the offensive boards to pull out to a big first half lead.

Agbaji got started the same way he started the Final Four against Villanova.

That's the biggest comeback in an NCAA final since 1963 when Loyola beat Cincinnati. 

Love's shot is short and the Kansas Jayhawks are National Champions!!!! KU came back from 16 at one point, 15 at half and they come back to win the game!

Timeout UNC as coach Davis is going to draw up a play to get an open three.

It is UNC ball with 4.3 to go!

Harris just stepped out of bounds and the referees are checking it out on the replay! No one is quite sure what the call was for. A whistle blew, but was it for a foul or out of bounds?

4.2 to go in the game.

Kansas comes up with the stop and Manek threw it away.

McCormack again with that jump hook.

Bacot just reinjured that ankle, and he's going to have to come out for the final 38.5 seconds.

Under a minute to go.

McCormack this time on the offensive boards gets his own rebound and finishes with the jump hook.

Manek has his double double with 13 and 12 rebounds.

Manek on yet another put back and the Tar Heels lead by one!

Under 2 minutes to go

Love responds with a dash to the rack and the lay up.

Martin with a hand in his face and he drains the three!

Manek got the tip back, didn't make it but again Carolina's rebounding making a difference in the game. Manek makes both and we are tied up again.

Bacot hits both at the line and he's 9-12 from the stripe tonight.

Love no, but Bacot is there with the offensive board. He'll go back to the line after the last TV timeout.

Martin takes it right into the body of Bacot and finishes off the glass

Johnson is keeled over after the play  and might have just vomited a bit. NOt sure if he took a hit to the midsection or if he is just not feeling well. We ill kep and eye on the situation. Black is back with 4 fouls.

Johnson hanging in the air and finishing ala Jordan. He's got the last 7 points for UNC.

Wilson drops the three ball after the drive and kick!

Johnson with a put back on the offensive rebounds. He's got 7 points in the the second half.

Martin in the corner for three, and he's staring to come alive in the second half.

We are under 8 minutes to go in the National Championship. Timeout from New Orleans!

Johnson in the corner with a huge three for UNC, and then draws a charge on the other end! Huge minutes from the sophomore who came in once Black came out with four fouls.

McCormack is fouled by Bacot, and the KU big man hits one of two. Bacot just picked up his third foul.

Davis with back to back buckets, this time it's a pull up from the mid range.

Under 10 to go in New Orleans.

Davis to the iron, and that's his first bucket of the second half.

Wilson to the rack and one after the Harris strip of Love! FT is good and the Jayhawks are on a 9-0 run.

Martin in the corner for THREE!!! KU leads 53-50

Agbaji with the off balance lay in and one!!! The game is tied up after Agbaji converts on the three point play.

Good interior passing after Bacot finds Johnson on the baseline cut and finishes with the slam. Carolina needs to work their offense through Bacot more in this second half.

Braun taking it back into the lane and getting a good look around the bucket.

Out of the timeout UNC goes to Love who takes it the rack and lays it in.

Braun slashes to the rack in transition after the steal and it's a one point game. What a start to the second half for the Jayhawks who are on an 20-5 run.

McCormack goes with the jump hook in the lane. We have a one possession game in New Orleans.

This game is starting to get a bit more physical. Were seeing more FTs in this second half. Black just picked up his fourth foul and he goes to the bench. Agbaji missed both FTs.

Bacot back to the line and he hits one of two.

Harris gets the roll on the scoop across the land and we have a four point game!

Agbaji got fouled on the three ball, he hits one of three and the Jayhawks are right back in this ball game.

Wilson gets the FT to go after the timeout.

Wilson going back to the rack strong and he gets the bucket and one. We are going to our first TV timeout of the second half.

Braun with the layup yet again and Kansas doing what they did so well in the opening part of the first half, getting to the basket.

Love inside the paint, and that bucket came on the heels of an offensive rebound.

Love with a big three ball to stop the run! He had 22 in the second half of last game, will he have a repeat performance tonight?

Braun off the glass, and KU are on a 6-0 run.

Braun going coast to coast and KU starting to get the ball moving in transition.

Black with a lapse in concentration, steps over the sideline and gives the ball back to Kansas on the turnovers. Those are the kind of plays that can give a struggling team confidence.

McCormack gets Kansas on the board with a thunderous alley oop.

We are back in play in second half of the National Championship. Can UNC become the first eight seed since Villanova in 1985 to win the title? We will find out in 20 minutes.

Johnson with yet another offensive board that turns into points for the Tar Heels.

Manek had a spurt of six straight points that helped ignite the 16-0 run the Tar Heels built.

Lightfoot with the points in the paint, which is where most of KU's production came from.

Bacot has a first half double double in the National Championship. On a twisted ankle.

UNC is winning this game because of the offensive boards that have led to 18 second chance points.

It was working on both ends for the Jayhawks early on. McCormack with the big block on Bacot.

Agbaji sent a warning shot to the Tar Heels on the first shot of the game.

Bacot is the top scorer with 12 points and 10 rebounds for of them offensive, while Davis has 11 points. Agbaji has 8 points, and McCormack has 6.

The Kansas Jayhawks scored just three points going 1-8 from the field in the final six minutes of the game.

Johnson on the put back to end the half, and the Tar Heels have 18 second chance through the first 20 minutes.

Agbaji from the FT line, and finally the Jayhawks get a FG for the first time in 6 minutes.

Bacot just tied an NCAA record with his 31st double double of the season. That ties David Robinson who did it a Navy four decades ago.

Bacot back to the line, but misses both.

Agbaji goes to the line and finally snaps the scoreless spell, but can only hit one of two. This game was tied at 22 it's now 38-23

Harris turned it over, and Bacot followed the miss in tranisition. Earning more free throws, and he's got 8 rebounds to go along with his 12 points after the made FTs.

Davis slicing through the lane and putting the Tar Heels up by 14!! Timeout Kansas who need to get themselves back in this game in the final 2:40 of the half.

Bacot drawing plenty of defenders, but still gets it to go from inside.

Timeout in the New Orleans with the Tar Heels taking control over the last few minutes, 3:46 to go in the first half.

Davis fouled on the three point jumper by McCormack, he goes to the line and hits all three. UNC lead by 10, 18-4 run for the Tar Heels.

Bacot going back to the line after taking it off the dribble and going up and under Lightfoot. He hits one of two FTs.

Manek drops two in a row!!! He's got 9 points already!  Kansas needs a timeout with 5:05 to go in the first half.

Manek hits his second three ball of the game!

Wilson on the follow in tranisiton after McCormack gets the block on the other end.

McCormack back to banging down low. Kansas will want to keep pounding it to their big man. That will open up space on the perimeter for Agbaji and Martin.

14 of UNC's 22 points have come on second chance points.

Davis with the pull up inside the arc, and the Heels are on an 8-0 run. Timeout Kansas.

Bacot with another offensive board, which earns him FTs. He makes both and the Tar Heels take the lead again.

Love showing his strength and physicality goes up and over Martin.

Davis with the pull up mid range jumper in transition.

Martin with a deep ball. If they can starting hitting outside shots that will open up all sorts of space for McCormack.

Davis comes out of the timeout with two made FTs.

This ball game is even 8 minutes through. UNC are getting tough gritty second chance points while Kansas continues to bang down low.

Lightfoot getting another good look in the paint.

Braun with a eurostep to the basket.

Bacot hitting the boards, getting the offensive rebound, put back and 1. UNC leads for the first time tonight.

Love makes a couple free throws to start his night off after scoring 22 in the second half last game.

UNC are struggling from the field, but continue to hit the offensive boards are. That time is results in a lay up for Black.

Kansas going back at the rack, this time with Agbaji on the lay up.

Bacot with the jump hook for his first points of the night.

We are at the first TV timeout and Kansas is off to a quick start. UNC look a lot like they did against Duke in the opening minutes. They are having to work for good looks, while Kansas are getting high percentage shots in the first few minutes.

Manek got caught by the elbow of McCormack when the big man was coming down on that jump hook. He stayed down for a minute, but is back to his feet after looking a little dazed.

McCormack gets the jump hook to fall, and he's got a quick 4 points. Kansas will be hoping he stays out of foul trouble, unlike the game against Nova.

Manek with a three ball to put the Tar Heels on the board.

Bacot is playing tonight after twisting his ankle last game. Let's see how he holds up throughout the game.

Wilson goes to the line for the first time tonight, hitting both FTs.

McCormack hits the mid range jumper, and the Jayhawks are seeing exactly what they want to see. Their two leaders on the inside and outside starting strong.

Agbaji going right to work! He drains the three ball to start the game, he was 6 of 7 in the FInal Four.

We are underway in the National Championship from the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans!!! In 40 minutes we will have a new king of college basketball.

The Truth is in the Big Easy!

Rock Chalk is back in the title game.

The Heels are in search of their seventh National Title.

Toinght's odds

According to Bet365.com the Jayhawks are 4.5 points favorites, and the Over/Under is set at 154.5.

Agbaji the Jayhawks top scorer

Kansas has got to this point in the tournament on the shoulders of Ochai Agbaji who is is averaging 18.9 ppg. Although his numbers have dipped a bit in the tournament he came up with the crucial steal and score against Creighton in the last minute to seal the win for the Jayhawks and put up 21 points in the Final Four. Christian Braun had a huge shot late in the second half and is the second leading man on Kansas with 14.3 points a game and has just about been on his average in the tournament, except for his 6 point performance against Providence.

Bacot a maniac on the boards

Armando Bacot is the top dog for the Tar Heels, scoring 16.3 points and snatching 13.1 rebounds a night which is good enough for third in the country. Bacot had 11 points and 21 rebounds in the the Final Four game against Villanova. Caleb Love and Brady Manek are going averaging over 15 points a game. Love had 30 against UCLA and 28 against Duke. Manek had 28 and 26 in the first two games and is averaging over 20 points a night in the tournament.

One last pregame talk before title time.

It all comes down to this.

Tar Heels back in final five years later

UNC is in search of their sixth National Championship having won their last one in 2017. This is their 12th trip to the title game, and they have a record of 6-5 in thoes games.  On their last trip to the Championship game in 2017 the beat Gonzaga 103-90.

KU looking for first title since '08

Kansas is widely revered as one of college basketball’s top programs, which is why it might sound strange to hear they haven’t won a National Championship since 2008. They have been to 16 Final Fours, but have just three college basketball titles. The Jayhawks have been to the final eight times before, but lost on five of those trips with the last one coming in 2012 when they lost to Kentucky.

Kansas: How they got here

Kansas was the only one seed left in the Final after finishing the regular season in the Top 5 and winning the Big 12 tournament. Kansas eased past 16 seed Texas Southern in the first round of the tourney, but were made to sweat in the next couple games. Creighton gave them all they could handle in the next round. It was a one point game with under a minute left before Ochai Agbaji came up with a steal and score to seal the game for the Jayhawks. KU drew Providence in the next round, and Kansas once again survived a late run from the Friars for a five point win. Miami was next up and the Jayhawks won comfortably to get to their 16th Final Four. They then beat Villanova in a rematch getting revenge for the 2018 semifinal to get to the NCAA Championship.

UNC: how they got here

The Tar Heels have a record of 29-9, and finished second in the ACC behind Duke. Like the Blue Devils they lost to Virginia Tech in the conference tournament. They got an at large bid, but were given an 8 seed after an underwhelming regular season. Once they got to the Big Dance the UNC tournament pedigree started to show. They have not had an easy road by any means. They crushed Marquette in a 8 vs. 9 matchup in the first round, and that earned them a date with last years champions and 1 seed Baylor. UNC squandered a 25 point second half lead, but forced overtime where they ended the Bears’ back-to-back to bid. The Tar Heels then met another historic NCAA Tournament team, UCLA and edged the Bruins by 7 to punch their ticket to the Elite Eight. They met with this year’s Cinderella team in St. Peter’s, but the magic faded for the Peacocks as UNC ended their Big Dance dreams with a 69-49 win to move on to the Final Four. Then beat Duke in the first meeting of the two teams in tournament history.

UNC Tops Duke in first tourney match up

North Carolina outlasted their arch rival Duke in an instant classic. It was the first time the two enemies had met in the NCAA Tournament and they gave us a spectacle. The game had 19 lead changes, most of them coming in the last eight minutes of the game. Caleb Love exploded for 22 points in the second half, while Armando Bacot scored 11 points and 21 rebounds despite turning his ankle in the second half. Love had the dagger with under 30 seconds to secure the 81-77 win.

Tar Heel nation is out in full force in New Orleans.

This is what's on the line tonight.

Kansas get revenge in Final Four

The Jayhawks rolled over Villanova in the Final Four to reach their 10th title game. Kansas used a red hot start to the game to build and keep a comfortable cushion over the Wildcats. Nova cut the lead to 6 in the second half, but the boys from Phog Allen eased to an 81-65 win. David McCormack was the star scoring 25 points and grabbing 9 rebounds, while Ochai Agbaji had 21 points.

We are live from New Orleans

Hello everyone and welcome to New Orleans. We are 40 minutes away from crowning one of these two teams the National Champions. The Tar Heels are looking to join the 1985 Villanova Wildcats become the lowest seed to win the title, while Kansas are seeing their first championship since 2008.

North Carolina vs. Kansas

The clock is about to strike midnight on the Big Dance as two legendary programs will go toe-to-toe for the National Championship. The University of North Carolina and Kansas take center stage with the title on the line as AS English will have you covered every step of the way with live stats, scores, analysis and updates on tonight’s showdown from the Caesars Superdome.