UNC Basketball: Former Tar Heels celebrate Final Four-clinching win

Players, coaches and more react to UNC’s big win over Kentucky on Sunday to advance to the Final Four

Sunday afternoon was just incredible.

The North Carolina Tar Heels found a way to erase a five-point deficit and slow down a Kentucky team that was playing very well.

UNC used a 12-0 run to grab the lead before the Wildcats tied it on a Malik Monk three-pointer.

But with seven seconds left, it was enough time for the Tar Heels to get off a shot.

Junior Theo Pinson took the inbound pass and drove it the length of the court, finding teammate Luke Maye who drained a long jumper with .3 seconds left. It gave UNC a 75-73 win and another trip to the Final Four.

As soon as Maye’s shot went in, Twitter went crazy with posts about the game and even the hero Maye.

That included former University of North Carolina players, who made sure they were able to celebrate:

https://twitter.com/hbarnes/status/846141501906259968

As you can see, many of them were very happy and gave props to Maye who was the man of the hour.

But that play happened for a reason.

Despite being successful, head coach Roy Williams is often criticized for not taking timeouts late in the game. He didn’t do it again on Sunday and it worked.

Some former players spoke out on Roy’s philosophy, which worked on Sunday:

https://twitter.com/marcuspaige5/status/846141453617192960

Now the real work begins.

UNC’s goal all season long has been to get back to the Final Four and win the National Championship. Consider it some unfinished business.

Next up for the Tar Heels is a date with the Oregon Ducks who beat the Kanas Jayhawks on Saturday night.

Next: UNC locker room celebration

Check back with Keeping It Heel for complete pregame coverage as the week goes on.