See photos from UNC’s National Championship basketball game against Kansas
By Robert Willett and
Ethan Hyman
North Carolinas Armando Bacot (5), Leaky Black (1) and Dontrez Styles (3) leave the court following the the Tar Heels 72-69 loss to Kansas in the NCAA Championship game on Monday, April 4, 2022 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La.
Robert Willett
rwillett@newsobserver.com
New Orleans, LA
The University of North Carolina Tar Heels fell to the Kansas Jayhawks in the NCAA Men’s National Championship basketball game, Monday night, April 4, 2022 in New Orleans.
News & Observer photojournalists Robert Willett and Ethan Hyman are capturing the scene and the game action in the Superdome.
North Carolina coach Hubert Davis and Armando Bacot answer questions from reporters following the Tar Heels’ loss to Kansas in the NCAA Championship game on Monday, April 4, 2022 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La.
North Carolina’s Caleb Love (2) hangs his head after answering a question about the Tar Heels’ loss to Kansas in the NCAA Championship game on Monday, April 4, 2022 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La.
N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper and N.C. House Speaker Tim Moore watch in the final seconds of Kansas’ 72-69 victory over UNC in the NCAA Men’s National Championship at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., Monday, April 4, 2022. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina graduate assistant Brandon Robinson consoles Caleb Love (2) after Love missed a three-point shot with 2.1 seconds to play securing Kansas’ 72-69 victory in the NCAA Championship game on Monday, April 4, 2022 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Kansas’ Christian Braun (2) defends North Carolina’s Caleb Love (2), as Love launches a three-point shot attempt with 2.1 seconds to play during the NCAA Championship game on Monday, April 4, 2022 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La. Love missed the shot that would have tied the game, securing a 72-69 victory for Kansas. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina’s Caleb Love (2) tries to hit a three-pointer as time runs out in Kansas’ 72-69 victory over UNC in the NCAA Men’s National Championship at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., Monday, April 4, 2022. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Ochai Agbaji (30) celebrates the Jayhawks 72-69 victory after North Carolina’s Caleb Love (2) missed a three-point shot with 2.1 seconds to play during the NCAA Championship game on Monday, April 4, 2022 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina’s Caleb Love (2) reacts after missing a three-point shot with 2.1 seconds to play to secure a 72-69 victory for Kansas during the NCAA Championship game on Monday, April 4, 2022 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina’s Caleb Love (2) reacts after missing a three-point shot with 2.1 seconds to play to secure a 72-69 victory for Kansas during the NCAA Championship game on Monday, April 4, 2022 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina’s Caleb Love (2) reacts after missing a three-point shot with 2.1 seconds to play to secure a 72-69 victory for Kansas during the NCAA Championship game on Monday, April 4, 2022 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina’s Anthony Harris reacts as Kansas secures their 72-69 victory over North Carolina in the NCAA Championship game on Monday, April 4, 2022 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina’s Caleb Love (2) reacts after time runs out in Kansas 72-69 victory over UNC in the NCAA Mens National Championship at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., Monday, April 4, 2022. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina guard Caleb Love (2) is comforted by Brandon Robinson after KansasÕ 72-69 victory over UNC in the NCAA MenÕs National Championship at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., Monday, April 4, 2022. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Fred Quartlebaum, Kansas director of basketball operations, right, consoles R.J. Davis (4) following the the Tar Heels 72-69 loss in the NCAA Championship game on Monday, April 4, 2022 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Kansas’ Dajuan Harris Jr. (3) steals the ball from North Carolina’s Caleb Love (2) during the second half of Kansas 72-69 victory over UNC in the NCAA Mens National Championship at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., Monday, April 4, 2022. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina’s Armando Bacot (5) continues to try to play after being injured late in the second half of Kansas’ 72-69 victory over UNC in the NCAA Men’s National Championship at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., Monday, April 4, 2022. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina’s Armando Bacot grimaces in pain after injuring his ankle late in the second half against Kansas in the NCAA Championship game on Monday, April 4, 2022 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina’s Armando Bacot (5) winces in pain after being injured late in the second half of Kansas 72-69 victory over UNC in the NCAA Mens National Championship at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., Monday, April 4, 2022. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina’s Caleb Love (2) drives to the basket against Kansas’ David McCormack (33) in the second half during the NCAA Championship game on Monday, April 4, 2022 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina’s Puff Johnson (14) slams in two during the second half of Kansas’ 72-69 victory over UNC in the NCAA Men’s National Championship at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., Monday, April 4, 2022. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina’s Armando Bacot (5) works against Kansas’ Mitch Lightfoot (44) during the second half of Kansas’ 72-69 victory over UNC in the NCAA Men’s National Championship at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., Monday, April 4, 2022. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Kansas’ Remy Martin (11) heads to block the layup on North Carolina’s Caleb Love (2) during the second half of Kansas’ 72-69 victory over UNC in the NCAA Men’s National Championship at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., Monday, April 4, 2022. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina’s Puff Johnson (14) celebrates after Kansas’ Ochai Agbaji (30) was called for the charge during the second half of Kansas’ 72-69 victory over UNC in the NCAA Men’s National Championship at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., Monday, April 4, 2022. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina’s Caleb Love (2) works to penetrate the Kansas defense of Christian Braun (2) during the second half in the NCAA Championship game on Monday, April 4, 2022 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis reacts after R.J. Davis drew a foul from Kansas’ Remy Martin with the score tied 57-57 in the second half during the NCAA Championship game on Monday, April 4, 2022 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis reacts after R.J. Davis drew a foul from Kansas’ Remy Martin with the score tied 57-57 in the second half during the NCAA Championship game on Monday, April 4, 2022 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina’s Armando Bacot (5) heads to shoot as he is about to be fouled by Kansas’ Mitch Lightfoot (44) during the first half of UNCís game against Kansas in the NCAA Menís National Championship at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., Monday, April 4, 2022. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina’s Armando Bacot (5) blocks the shot by Kansas’ David McCormack (33) during the second half of Kansas’ 72-69 victory over UNC in the NCAA Men’s National Championship at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., Monday, April 4, 2022. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina’s Armando Bacot (5) shoots during the first half of UNCs game against Kansas in the NCAA Mens National Championship at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., Monday, April 4, 2022. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolinas Armando Bacot (5) defends Kansas David McCormack (33) during the first half of the NCAA Championship game on Monday, April 4, 2022 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina’s Armando Bacot (5) and Caleb Love (2) pressure Kansas’ David McCormack (33) during the first half of UNCs game against Kansas in the NCAA Mens National Championship at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., Monday, April 4, 2022. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Kansass David McCormack (33) defends North Carolinas Armando Bacot (5) during the first half of the NCAA Championship game on Monday, April 4, 2022 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis encourages his players on defense in the first half against Kansas during the NCAA Championship game on Monday, April 4, 2022 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina’s Armando Bacot (5) shoots as Kansas’ Christian Braun (2) and David McCormack (33) defend during the first half of UNCs game against Kansas in the NCAA Mens National Championship at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., Monday, April 4, 2022. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina’s Puff Johnson (14) celebrates after Kansas turned the ball over during the first half of UNCís game against Kansas in the NCAA Menís National Championship at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., Monday, April 4, 2022. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis is pumped during the first half of UNCís game against Kansas in the NCAA Menís National Championship at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., Monday, April 4, 2022. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina’s Brady Manek (45) blocks the shot by Kansas’ Christian Braun (2) during the first half of UNCís game against Kansas in the NCAA Menís National Championship at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., Monday, April 4, 2022. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina’s Caleb Love (2) shoots as Kansas’ Remy Martin (11) defends during the first half of UNCís game against Kansas in the NCAA Menís National Championship at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., Monday, April 4, 2022. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina’s Armando Bacot (5) and Kansas’ David McCormack (33) tip off at the start of UNC’s game against Kansas in the NCAA Men’s National Championship at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., Monday, April 4, 2022. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina’s Brady Manek (45) shoots as Kansas’ Christian Braun (2) defends during the first half of UNCís game against Kansas in the NCAA Menís National Championship at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., Monday, April 4, 2022. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolinas R.J. Davis (4) and Justin McKoy (22) defend Kansas Christian Braun (2) during the first half of the NCAA Championship game on Monday, April 4, 2022 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis directs his team on defense in the first half against Kansas during the NCAA Championship game on Monday, April 4, 2022 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolinas Brady Manek (45) reacts after a three-point basket to give the Tar Heels a 28-22 lead over Kansas during the first half of the NCAA Championship game on Monday, April 4, 2022 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolinas Brady Manek (45) and Leaky Black (1) react after a three-point basket by Manek to give the Tar Heels a 28-22 lead over Kansas during the first half of the NCAA Championship game on Monday, April 4, 2022 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina’s Brady Manek (45) shoots as Kansas’ Christian Braun (2) defends during the first half of UNC’s game against Kansas in the NCAA Men’s National Championship at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., Monday, April 4, 2022. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Kansas and North Carolina line up for the national anthem before UNC’s game against Kansas in the NCAA Men’s National Championship at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., Monday, April 4, 2022. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina’s Puff Johnson (14) traps Kansas’ Christian Braun (2) in the second half during the NCAA Championship game on Monday, April 4, 2022 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina’s R.J. Davis (4) drives by Kansas’ Dajuan Harris Jr. (3) during the first half of UNCís game against Kansas in the NCAA Menís National Championship at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., Monday, April 4, 2022. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina’s Brady Manek (45) falls to the court after a collision in the first half against Kansas during the NCAA Championship game on Monday, April 4, 2022 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolinas R.J. Davis (4) tangles with Kansas Mitch Lightfoot (44) for a rebound during the first half of the NCAA Championship game on Monday, April 4, 2022 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
UNC basketball fans watch the NCAA Championship game against Kansas at Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery in Chapel Hill Monday, April 4, 2022. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis and Kansas head coach Bill Self greet each other before UNC’s game against Kansas in the NCAA Men’s National Championship at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., Monday, April 4, 2022. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina students, including seniors Lauren Seale and Matt Kinlaw cheer before UNCs game against Kansas in the NCAA Mens National Championship at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., Monday, April 4, 2022. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina coach Hubert Davis and assistant coach Brad Frederick arrive for their NCAA National Championship game against Kansas on Monday, April 4, 2022 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis arrives for the NCAA National Championship game against Kansas on Monday, April 4, 2022 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
during the first half of UNCís game against Kansas in the NCAA Menís National Championship at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., Monday, April 4, 2022. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North CarolinaÕs Caleb Love (2) arrives for the NCAA National Championship game against Kansas on Monday, April 4, 2022 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
This story was originally published April 4, 2022 at 7:46 PM.
