Live Blog: Bad Start Equals Bitter Finish for UNC

11:02 p.m.,  Kansas versus Memphis for the National Championship. North Carolina put on a comeback that falls way short, it is tough to say the final score was a real reflection of the game, but it was. The Jayhawks played the game that I think most people expected the Heels to come out with and run away from the Jayhawks. Heels had problems on the outside and had no answer for the screen and roll. Now an offseason of who stays and who goes will be whispered around Chapel Hill all summer. One just has to wonder what happened to the Heels team that was so dominant in the tournament, that is a question that will haunt Carolina fans for a long time. At least Kansas will get over the Roy thing and I will never have to read another comment about this team versus 2005. I think that arguement was settled tonight.

Final Score from San Antonio: Kansas 84 UNC 66

10:55p.m.,  Carolina put on a run, but from an earlier thought, did digging out of the quicksand take too much out of them? Lots of reasons why the Heels didn't have it tonight, but it did get interesting there for a second. I know the Jayhawks are a heck of a lot better than I ever thought.

10:44  Kansas has taken control of the game again, but I still have the feeling this is coming down to the wire. The Kaun flush could be a momentum changer.

10:30p.m.,  It's not over til it's over. The Heels have used a 12-0 run to cut it to 6 points. The Heels look like the fresh team. The next four minutes are key to this game.

10:23 p.m., the Tar Heels have remained calm and the offense is really finding a nice gear with a solid inside/outside balance. You can sense that the Jayhawks are playing tight right now. If you haven't noticed this game isn't over, someone let Billy Packer know that.

10:14 p.m., Tyler Hansbrough lost a contact, what took so long? It usually happens at the 10 minute mark of the first half.

10:10 p.m., Newsflash:  If the Heels go on a 17 to nothing run they will tie the game. Please note the sarcasm. With that said break it down into four minute segments and try to win them by 5. Heels offensive spacing has been terrible all night.

9:50 p.m.,  A 15 to 4 run for the Heels gets it under 20. The Heels have the firepower to make it a game but have they fallen too far down. That is the toughest thing about mounting a comeback it takes so much energy to get back into it. Kansas might think about slowing it down but the amazing part of the first half is that Kansas played Carolina's system to a T. Transition baskets, great penetrating to the basket, perimeter defense and the ability to play up tempo. I know that last bucket by Kansas might seem small but 15 points sounds manageable the 17 point deficit sounds like it will take a historic comeback. By the way what will Billy Packer say if UNC wins after saying it was over with 7:32 left?

9:45 p.m., It's now a 10 to nothing run and the Heels are down 40-22.

9:29 p.m., I have never seen a Tar Heel team being dominated like this, ever. 38 to 12 with 7:32 left in the first half. Roy Williams finally calls a timeout. Where to begin on what is going wrong for UNC? Tyler Hansbrough is the only positive. I will retract my comment on Bill Self's pre-game speech, but I cannot ignore that  Billy Packer just said this game is over.  Has he ever watched a game before?  Give me Bill Raftery.

9:17 p.m., The Tar Heels look slow and sloppy, No one could have seen this coming. 23 to 10 Kansas at the under 12 timeout. Everything is going the Jayhawks way, if UNC does not take care of the ball forget about the defensive troubles this could be a blow out. UNC has to figure out a way to get some offense on the perimeter. I don't know if Carolina is that bad right now or Kansas is that good. One thing is for sure Kansas is not the team I have a doubt about.

9:12 p.m., UNC has to figure out a way to stop the penetration by Kansas, no easy answer right now.

9:03 p.m.,  Heels big men being exploited on defense. 11 to 6 Kansas with 15:43 left Roy will have to make an adjustment soon. This one has the early makings of a classic. Wayne Ellington needs to become involved in this game soon.

9:00 p.m.,  Tip won by Kansas and first bucket goes to Kansas. This should be a shootout, but Hansbrough answers with a shot only he can make. Jayhawks though have hit their first three, and being five down Heels are facing largest deficit of tourney. don't blink you're going to miss a lot of action. 

8:55 p.m., Someone please tell Jim Nantz they are teams not participants, participants are in a spelling bee, these are athletes, players anything else. Wow the Heels are running out Michael Jordan and James Worthy, they'll have the experience advantage. Can we just get to the game already? Heels look calm, so do the Jayhawks and the boos for Roy Williams were loud enough to hear. Message to Jayhawk fans...time to get over it.

8:42 p.m., Kansas Head Coach Bill Self just addressed his team in the locker room. I have heard nap times with more passion than that. This is the Final Four! I understand not trying to be too hyped up for a game, but let the players know how special this game is and give the players a more than okay let's have fun...pre-game speech advantage North Carolina and Roy doesn't have to say anything.

7:22 p.m., 1 hour and 25 minutes to go: Memphis and UCLA are slugging it out, Memphis has the athletic edge so far. This has been a good warm-up for the second game where the Heels will be tested by a Kansas team that runs nine deep. This is the toughest part for players waiting to get on the floor and play, I do expect UNC to be ready for this one and come out on the attack. One thing about this game I will be happy when it is over so there is no more Roy WIlliams left Kansas garbage. The factor tonight will be Tyler Hansbrough, I have heard that Kansas has big bodies, but they haven't played against a player like this.