NCAA Championship: North Carolina vs Gonzaga game preview

North Carolina and Gonzaga meet in Phoenix, Arizona for the 2017 National Championship Game

The North Carolina Tar Heels and Gonzaga Bulldogs will meet in Phoenix, Arizona on Monday night for the 2017 NCAA Championship.

It’s the Bulldogs’ first trip to college basketball’s final night, having never made it past the Elite 8 until this season.

The Tar Heels, however, are making their second consecutive appearance in the national title game, something that the program most recently accomplished in 1981 and 1982.

Mar 30, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams speaks to the press during a press conference at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

Dean Smith’s Tar Heels lost to Indiana in the 1981 NCAA Championship, but returned the following season to beat Georgetown in the 1982 title game.

With a win on Monday night, Roy Williams would accomplish the same feat that his mentor did after losing in the 1981 title game 35 years ago.

But don’t try to credit Williams with all the success. He’ll be the first to tell you that it’s his players, not him, who are responsible for the success.

"“If you find somebody that says it’s different than what I’m just getting ready to say they’re lying,” Williams told the media on Friday. “I never say that I’ve been to nine Final Fours. I always say that we have been to nine Final Fours. And usually I put it that my players have taken me to Final Fours.”"

Certainly, Williams has had great players. And this year’s team is no different. Junior wing Justin Jackson will be a matchup problem for Gonzaga, particularly if he’s hitting shots from long-distance. His mid-range game and smooth floater are second to none, and paramount to a successful UNC offense.

Maybe even more importantly for the Tar Heels, though, is the health of junior point guard Joel Berry II. After a series of sprained ankles and inability to get healthy on short rest throughout the tournament, his productivity and effectiveness in the UNC offense have seen a decline.

Gonzaga is in the midst of its most accomplished season in program history. Its 37 wins are a school record and its trip to the Final Four, and championship game, are a first.

Mar 25, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Nigel Williams-Goss (5) reacts after a three-point basket against the Xavier Musketeers during the first half in the finals of the West Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

But nobody is looking at the Bulldogs as an over-matched and unprepared opponent to the perennial blue blood awaiting them in the title game. Many predicted that Gonzaga would make it to championship Monday, and still there are many who think that they will knock off the ACC powerhouse.

Nigel Williams-Goss has been phenomenal this season, and his play-making ability is cause for concern for any opponent. Gonzaga’s size and experience in the front court, particularly Przemek Karnowski, will match up well with a UNC interior that has made a living on the offensive boards this season.

The Bulldogs are trying to make history. The Tar Heels are seeking redemption. On Monday night, the two teams will leave everything on the court for 40 minutes in an effort to accomplish just that.

Prediction: North Carolina over Gonzaga, 82-77.

WHAT? North Carolina (32-7) vs Gonzaga (37-1), 2017 National Championship
WHEN? Monday, April 3rd. 9:20 PM, ET
WHERE? University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona
TV? CBS
RADIO? Tar Heel Sports Network
ALL-TIME SERIES? Tied 1-1
LAST MEETING? North Carolina defeated Gonzaga 98-77 in 2009 Sweet 16
LINE? UNC -1.5

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