The mood in the North Carolina locker room at the Spectrum in Philadelphia was what one would expect following the 1981 national championship loss to Indiana. The somberness of the room was reflective in senior Al Wood, whose 39-point performance against Virginia in the semifinals carried the Tar Heels to the brink of a national title.
Wood fought back tears as he reflected on not only losing the championship game but also on playing his final game as a collegian, and UNC failing, once again, to win a title for its celebrated coach, Dean Smith.
Once reporters cleared the room, and behind closed doors, Wood approached freshman Matt Doherty.