1993 NCAA Division I men's basketball championship game

American college basketball final March 2026 1993 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament August 2023 1993 NCAA Tournament Championship Game ncg File:NCAA primary logo 1980.svg April 5, 1993 1992-93 University of Michigan Michigan Wolverines 31-4Scandal N In the wake of the basketball scandal that was resolved in 2002, Michigan self-imposed a punishment that included vacating their wins from the 1992-93 season. This altered their overall record from 31-5 to 0-4. Big Ten 3 2 Steve Fisher 36 35 University of North Carolina North Carolina Tar Heels 33–4 ACC 4 1 Dean Smith 42 35 Louisiana Superdome New Orleans, Louisiana 64,1512007–08 Men's Basketball Yearbook http://www.goheels.com/fls/3350/old_site/pdf/m-baskbl/history08.pdf?SPID=12965&DB_OEM_ID=3350 December 9, 2014 University of North Carolina 111 pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20141127093836/http://www.goheels.com/fls/3350/old_site/pdf/m-baskbl/history08.pdf?SPID=12965&DB_OEM_ID=3350 2014-11-27 dead North Carolina by 2.5North Carolina vs. Michigan 27 Ocala Star-Banner April 5, 1993 https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1356&dat=19930405&id=TVJRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=1wcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5984,3964948&hl=en September 6, 2010 Donald Williams, North Carolina Tom Harrington, Ed Hightower, & Jim StupinThe Final Four http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/m_final4/2014/1FinalFour.pdf 2014 December 9, 2014 20 2014 NCAA Men's Final Four Records NCAA CBS Jim Nantz and Billy Packer 1992 1994 The 1993 NCAA Division I men's basketball championship game took place on April 5, 1993, between the North Carolina Tar Heels and Michigan Wolverines at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The match-up was the final one of the fifty-fifth consecutive NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship single-elimination tournament — commonly referred to as the NCAA Tournament — organized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and is used to crown a national champion for men's basketball at the Division I level.Michigan-North Carolina Preview C5 The Milwaukee Journal April 5, 1993 https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1499&dat=19930405&id=-KIaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=uiwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6857,6045263&hl=en September 6, 2010Michigan, Carolina set to decide national title 2A The Southeast Missourian April 5, 1993 Associated Press https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1893&dat=19930402&id=-aofAAAAIBAJ&sjid=AdcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1360,5013657&hl=en September 6, 2010Smith has a system: Get the best players C-1 Ron Cook Pittsburgh-Post Gazette April 5, 1993 https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1129&dat=19930405&id=6rFRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Vm4DAAAAIBAJ&pg=3251,2980640&hl=en September 6, 2010North Carolina's main aim is to be No. 1 — in North Carolina C-5 Ron Cook and Gerry Dulac Pittsburgh-Post Gazette April 5, 1993 https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1129&dat=19930405&id=6rFRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Vm4DAAAAIBAJ&pg=3251,2980640&hl=en September 6, 2010All aboard for battle in bounds C-5 Ron Cook Pittsburgh-Post Gazette April 5, 1993 https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1129&dat=19930405&id=6rFRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Vm4DAAAAIBAJ&pg=3251,2980640&hl=en September 6, 2010Michigan driven by loss to Duke C-1, C-5 Gerry Dulac Pittsburgh-Post Gazette April 5, 1993 https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1129&dat=19930405&id=6rFRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Vm4DAAAAIBAJ&pg=3251,2980640&hl=en September 6, 2010 The Tar Heels defeated the Fab Five-led Wolverines and won their third national championship, after having been victorious in 1957 and 1982 beforehand. Donald Williams was named the NCAA basketball tournament Most Outstanding Player for his efforts throughout the tournament. This was the third straight national championship won by the ACC. Michigan was later forced to vacate its appearance in the title game due to Chris Webber being ruled ineligible as a result of the University of Michigan basketball scandal. This would be Michigan's last appearance in the championship game until 2013. Background Michigan Wolverines 1992–93 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team West (1) Michigan 84, (16) Coastal Carolina 53 (1) Michigan 86, (9) UCLA 84 (OT) (1) Michigan 72, (12) George Washington 64 (1) Michigan 77, (7) Temple 72 Final Four (W1) Michigan 81, (SE1) Kentucky 78 (OT) North Carolina Tar Heels 1992–93 North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball team East (1) North Carolina 85, (16) East Carolina 65 (1) North Carolina 112, (8) Rhode Island 67 (1) North Carolina 80, (4) Arkansas 74 (1) North Carolina 75, (2) Cincinnati 68 (OT) Final Four (E1) North Carolina 78, (MW2) Kansas 68 Team rosters + 1992-93 Michigan Wolverines rosterNo.NamePositionHeightWeightClass 3 Rob Pelinka G 6-6 200 Sr. 4 Chris Webber F 6-9 245 So. 5 Jalen Rose G 6-8 208 So. 11 Dugan Fife G 6-2 170 Fr. 14 Michael Talley G 6-1 197 Sr. 21 Ray Jackson F 6-6 219 So. 22 Jason Bossard G 6-4 204 Jr. 23 Sean Dobbins G 6-1 178 So. 24 Jimmy King G 6-5 201 So. 25 Juwan Howard F/C 6-9 240 So. 32 James Voskuil F 6-8 204 Sr. 41 Leon Derricks C 6-9 190 Fr. 42 Eric Riley C 7-0 245 Sr. Reference:1992-93 Michigan Wolverines Roster and Stats sports-reference.com Sports Reference LLC https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/michigan/1993.html December 9, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20151126031929/http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/michigan/1993.html November 26, 2015 live Cindy M. Van Matre Eric Barnhardt John R. Rutledge 1993 Division I Men's Basketball Championship Host Communications Publishing Lexington, Kentucky 1993 1993 Final Four Rosters 103 + 1992-93 North Carolina Tar Heels rosterNo.NamePositionHeightWeightClass 00 Eric Montross C 7-0 270 Jr. 3 Pat Sullivan F 6-8 216 Jr. 4 Larry Davis G 6-3 184 Fr. 5 Henrik Rödl F 6-8 203 Sr. 11 Scott Cherry G/F 6-5 180 Sr. 14 Derrick Phelps G 6-3 181 Jr. 21 Donald Williams G 6-3 194 So. 24 Dante Calabria G 6-4 186 Fr. 31 Brian Reese F 6-6 215 Jr. 33 Kevin Salvadori F/C 7-0 224 Jr. 34 George Lynch F 6-8 220 Sr. 35 Travis Stephenson F 6-7 220 Sr. 40 Ed Geth F 6-9 250 Sr. 45 Serge Zwikker C 7-1 245 Fr. 55 Matt Wenstrom C 7-1 260 Sr. Reference:1992-93 North Carolina Tar Heels Roster and Stats sports-reference.com Sports Reference LLC https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/north-carolina/1993.html December 9, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20151126031842/http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/north-carolina/1993.html November 26, 2015 live Dave Lohse Carolina Basketball 1992-93 Cincinnati, Ohio Johnson and Hardin Printing Company 1992 Preview 24 Cindy M. Van Matre Eric Barnhardt John R. Rutledge 1993 Division I Men's Basketball Championship Host Communications Publishing Lexington, Kentucky 1993 1993 Final Four Rosters 106 Overview Michigan and North Carolina were portrayed as different playing styles, with Michigan having an "NBA–style" roster and UNC having "the model college system."https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38797958/austin_americanstatesman/ Contrasts are clear in title game Austin American–Statesman C1 April 5, 1993 Mark Rosner November 8, 2019 Newspapers.com Kansas center Eric Pauley, who played both teams, stated that Michigan was "really athletic," while North Carolina was "fundamentally sound." In addition, Michigan was known for allowing freshmen to get significant playing time, while also allowing their players to be more "flamboyant" and expressive.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38798004/austin_americanstatesman/ NCAA title game attracts opposites Austin American–Statesman C2 April 5, 1993 Mark Rosner November 8, 2019 Newspapers.com With respect to the sophomores on the Michigan roster, coach Smith said he was "amazed at what they had done" and mentioned how they had been to two Final Fours in as many years, further stating "that's a lifetime." The Tar Heels, on the other hand, were known for being a program where upperclassmen get more of the publicity and playing time. Montross commented on North Carolina's perception and related it to how Dean Smith "won't settle for anything but the image he has," while referencing their clean shaven appearance, proper dress attire when traveling and going to dinners, and their "[doing] everything just right. Dean Smith, who had only one national championship to his credit from 1982, was viewed to have needed the game for his legacy as it would "shut up" critics. In addition, it would bring the Tar Heels to the forefront after Duke having won the previous two national championships. Meanwhile, Steve Fisher, was thought to have needed to win the title in order to vindicate to critics that he "can coach." He had previously won a national title in 1989 when he gained control of Michigan's team before the start of the NCAA Tournament. In advance of the game Smith spoke of Wolverines saying "They're quick, and Coach Fisher has done a great job getting the ball inside. They know how to pass and catch it." As the two teams met in December in the Rainbow Classic, most media commented on the game and influenced their expectations. It was noted that the game would be different as Michigan's Jackson would be expected to play more than the minute he did in December before he left the game with a dislocated shoulder. Coach Smith felt Michigan relied on Jackson defensively and noted that he has been doing well on offense as of late. Mark Rosner of Austin American–Statesman wrote that North Carolina was performing much better on offense than they were in that December matchup. Writers noted that Howard, Eric Reilly, and Webber would likely rotate on the seven–footer Montross, but Webber has the "brawn" to go against Montross.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38798082/the_clarksdale_press_register/ Michigan, North Carolina in NCAA Championship Associated Press Steve Wilstein The Clarksdale Press Register 6 April 5, 1993 November 8, 2019 Newspapers.com In regards to facing off and defending Montross, Webber stated "I'm not afraid of anyone." Montross spoke of Webber and his matchup saying that "Blocking shots is going to happen. He's got me. I got him." Rose was thought to have a great performance as he would need to minimize his turnovers. Game summary Source: #eee April 5, 1993 9:22 pm ESThttps://www.nytimes.com/1993/04/05/sports/college-basketball-ncaa-final-stage-is-set-control-vs-cockiness.html Malcolm Moran N.C.A.A. FINAL; Stage Is Set: Control vs. Cockiness The New York Times April 5, 1993 December 9, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20160403002927/http://www.nytimes.com/1993/04/05/sports/college-basketball-ncaa-final-stage-is-set-control-vs-cockiness.html April 3, 2016 live Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana Tom Harrington, Ed Hightower, & Jim Stupin 64,151 #W1 Michigan Wolverines 71 Chris Webber 23 Chris Webber 11 Jimmy King & Jalen Rose 4 #E1 North Carolina Tar Heels 77 Donald Williams 25 George Lynch 10 Derrick Phelps 6 42-36 35-35 CBS yes yes yes #7BAFD4 G 14 Derrick Phelps 9 3 6 G 21 Donald Williams Donald Williams (basketball) 25 1 1 C 00 Eric Montross 16 5 0 F 34 George Lynch George Lynch (basketball) 12 10 1 F 31 Brian Reese 8 5 3 yes yes yes FC 33 Kevin Salvadori 2 4 1 F 3 Pat Sullivan Pat Sullivan (basketball) 3 1 1 F 5 Henrik Rödl 2 0 0 C 50 Matt Wenstrom 0 0 0 G 24 Dante Calabria 0 0 0 GF 11 Scott Cherry 0 0 0 Dean Smith 7BAFD4 _thinwhitesides 7BAFD4 _whitesides North Carolina FFCB05 FFCB05 _whitebottom Michigan North Carolina Statistics Michigan 27/55 (49%) Field goals 30/62 (48%) 5/11 (45%) 3-pt. field goals 5/15 (33%) 18/23 (78%) Free throws 6/7 (86%) 10 Offensive rebounds 13 19 Defensive rebounds 18 29 Total rebounds 31 13 Assists 17 10 Turnovers 14 7 Steals 4 4 Blocks 4 10 Fouls 18 yes yes yes #FFCB05 G 5 Jalen Rose 12 1 4 G 24 Jimmy King 15 6 4 C 25 Juwan Howard 7 7 3 F 4 Chris Webber 23 11 1 F 21 Ray Jackson Ray Jackson (basketball) 6 1 1 yes yes yes G 3 Rob Pelinka 6 2 1 FC 43 Eric Riley 2 3 1 G 14 Michael Talley 0 0 1 F 32 James Voskuil 0 0 1 Steve Fisher Steve Fisher (basketball) LegendPosPositionFGMField goals madeFGAField goals attemptedFTMFree throws madeFTAFree throws attemptedRebReboundsAstAssistsBlkBlocksStlStealsPFPersonal foulsPtsPoints +Michigan WolverinesPlayerPos PositionFGM Field goals madeFGA Field goals attempted3PtM 3-Point Field goals made3PtA 3-Point Field goals attemptedFTM Free throws madeFTA Free throws attemptedReb ReboundsAst AssistsBlk BlocksStl StealsPF Personal foulsPts PointsJuwan HowardF/C380011730037Ray Jackson Ray Jackson (basketball)F230022111156Jimmy KingG61315226401215Rob PelinkaG242300210016Eric RileyC130000310112Jalen RoseG51226001400312Michael Talley 1G000000010010James Voskuil 1F000000010000Chris WebberF111801121113122302Team totals3062515673317441871Reference:The Final Four http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/m_final4/2018/Boxes.pdf 2018 December 9, 2017 297 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four Records NCAA https://web.archive.org/web/20180220001959/http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/m_final4/2018/Boxes.pdf February 20, 2018 +North Carolina Tar HeelsPlayerPos PositionFGM Field goals madeFGA Field goals attempted3PtM 3-Point Field goals made3PtA 3-Point Field goals attemptedFTM Free throws madeFTA Free throws attemptedReb ReboundsAst AssistsBlk BlocksStl StealsPF Personal foulsPts PointsGeorge Lynch George Lynch (basketball)F612000010121312Eric MontrossC51100695010216Derrick PhelpsG460112360309Brian Reese 1F270144530018Henrik RödlF140200000202Kevin SalvadoriF/C000022411012Pat Sullivan Pat Sullivan (basketball)F120012110013Matt WenstromC010000000000Donald Williams Donald Williams (basketball)G8125744110112502Team totals275551118232913471077Reference: Final minute The last 58 seconds of the game became one of the most famous moments in tournament history. After Eric Montross slammed the ball through the net to cap a 9–0 North Carolina run, Michigan got a basket from Ray Jackson on its next possession. With 46 seconds left, Michigan called its final timeout. The Tar Heels then turned the ball over attempting to inbound it, giving Michigan another possession. Jalen Rose missed a game tying three pointer, but Chris Webber scored on a putback to bring the Wolverines to 72–71. Needing to extend the game, Michigan fouled Pat Sullivan on the next possession and sent him to the free throw line for the front end of a one-and-one. Sullivan converted, extending the North Carolina lead to two. However, he was unable to hit the second free throw, and Webber grabbed the rebound. There were 19 seconds on the clock when he took possession. Initially, all of the other Wolverines went back upcourt and Webber froze. Rose would eventually come back toward him to give Webber a potential passing option, but he was closely guarded. Webber thought about passing but pulled the basketball back at the last second. In doing so, however, he inadvertently took a step without picking up his dribble, which should have resulted in Webber being called for traveling and the ball going back to North Carolina. The only referee who was close enough to clearly see the play had been running up the court instead of staying in the backcourt where he belonged, and his eyes were on the floor ahead of him which is why he didn't see Webber's blatant travel and made no call as the UNC bench began jumping up and down and screaming in outrage. Webber then picked up his dribble and sprinted upcourt, but he ran into North Carolina's half-court trap and ended up in the corner near the Michigan bench where he was unable to pass the ball without turning it over, and in danger of stepping out of bounds. In what many observers would later term a "panic", Webber turned his arms and signaled for a timeout from the nearest referee, who granted it. However, Webber wasn't aware that the Wolverines were out of timeouts, and under the penalty rules for an illegal timeout, Michigan was assessed a technical foul; this resulted in the Tar Heels receiving two uncontested free throws, which they successfully converted, and possession of the ball. North Carolina added two more points from the free throw line on the ensuing possession, rounding out the scoring at 77-71 and giving them their first national championship since 1982. Aftermath Michigan would later vacate its appearance in both the 1992 and 1993 Final Four and their subsequent title games due to sanctions involving the eligibility of Chris Webber in the Ed Martin scandal. While the other members of the Fab Five were cleared of any wrongdoing, the group's reputation was nonetheless tarnished by the scandal. As a result of the scandal, Michigan entered a slump during the 2000s and would not return to the Final Four until 2013. They would also return to the championship game in 2013 as well, where they lost to Louisville (the Cardinals, ironically, would vacate their title due to a major scandal). This was the second of four straight title game defeats for the Wolverines. The losing streak would eventually come to an end in 2026, as Michigan defeated UConn to win their second championship. North Carolina would not return to the national championship game until 2005, where they defeated another Big Ten team in Illinois to win their fourth championship. References Footnotes N Citations 30em NCAA Division I men's basketball championship game Category:NCAA Division I men's basketball championship games Category:Michigan Wolverines men's basketball Category:North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball Category:Basketball competitions in New Orleans Category:College basketball tournaments in Louisiana NCAA Division I men's basketball championship game NCAA Division I Basketball Championship Game, 1993 NCAA Division I Basketball Championship Game