North Carolina survived. Barely. The Ohio Bobcats gave the Tar Heels everything they had in trying to become the first #13 seed to advance to the Elite Eight, but couldn’t make a shot in overtime and lost, 73-65.

UNC was up by 16 early. Ohio could not shoot in the first half. Yet, thanks to 13 North Carolina turnovers, the Bobcats were only down by seven at the half.

Then, Ohio figured it out on offense, and started making shots. Using penetration and finding open shooters off the drive and kicks, Ohio hit 12 three pointers.

Harrison Barnes (3-for-17) was awful. North Carolina’s mismatch was on their front line. Other than Zeller (20 points, 23 rebounds) having another big game, they did not take advantage. For instance: Down one with 80 seconds left, Barnes over-dribbled and hoisted an airball. He got the isolation play with the game tied in the final seconds, and could not get the shot off. Ohio’s half court attempt to win it barely missed.

Ohio ran out of gas in overtime, and scored only two points. They played the game of the tournament and deserve an immense amount of credit. North Carolina, meanwhile, better play much better if they want any chance of advancing to New Orleans.

[US Presswire]