Seniors Marcus Paige, Brice Johnson denied their only shot at a title
Looming NCAA investigation could impact basketball program
HOUSTON
Marcus Paige could only look at the sky as he fell into the arms of Eric Hoots, North Carolina’s video coordinator. No hug could compensate, nothing could erase the sense of loss after coming so close.
After Paige’s off-balance, leaning 3-pointer tied the score with 4.7 seconds to go, Villanova’s Kris Jenkins delivered the ultimate answer with a right wing 3-pointer as time expired. The four-year quest for a title by Paige and Brice Johnson fell short by the smallest of margins, 77-74.