A turnover here, a missed ground ball over there. The mistakes added up for Marquette, playing on the biggest stage the program has ever been on. However, through all the adversity, Marquette hung on until the very end. It’s fitting for this group of underdogs who have done far more than anyone expected.
Down 10-9 with a minute remaining, Marquette’s final shot on goal from Blaine Fleming went just wide, hitting Tanner Thompson on the leg. That allowed North Carolina to grab the loose ball instead of Marquette retaining possession, and the Tar Heels were able to run out the clock.