GENEPOOL GIVES HOUSTON A PROBLEM. DAY SIX.

On Sunday night, I had a nightmare. North Carolina was playing in the championship game against Syracuse, but I was unable to watch it. I learned (copyright ESPN) that the Heels were down two points at the half and later that they lost by 10. This made me sad.

At the end of the night, a replay of the title game was shown. I caught the end of the second showing, and UNC trailed by 20 with a few minutes remaining. This made me more sad. Not giving up hope, I turned on my VCR and watched my tape of the game starting at the end.

When I hit play, all I saw was Syracuse celebrating. In an interview with Jim Nantz, one of the players commented about how much respect he had for North Carolina's recent accomplishments. Bullshit, I thought. We choked again. That's when I woke up in a daze in my hotel bed in Houston. Whew. It was only a dream.

I shook off the nightmare and went back to sleep. The same exact nightmare repeated. I guess that's how scared I was of the Heels falling short yet again. It's a good thing Syracuse was watching from home. I'm pretty sure the Orange beat the Heels just like in my nightmare.

As you probably know, the Heels cruised to their fifth national championship Monday night in what amounted to a road game. The second half was sloppy, but it didn't really matter at that point. Let's take a look at my thoughts throughout the game as I watched it at a Dave & Buster's in Houston.

1) Before the tournament, I mentioned all the similarities between this team and the 2005 title squad, as relates to their road to the championship. Two more to add. Both teams beat Villanova and Michigan State in the NCAA Tournament. And both Michigan State wins were in the Final Four.

2) Before the game, I was watching ESPN's panel preview the game. The volume on the TV wasn't on, so I was reading the closed captioned as Dick Vitale yelled incoherently. At one point, the closed caption translated Dick's words about Tyler's legacy like this: "The only thing left for Hansbrough to add to his career resume is a national alcohol." Title. Alcohol. Who can tell the difference?

3) My favorite play in the game was the opening tip, which resulted in a jump ball. For years, people have bitched about not having jump balls in the college game and instead using the alternating possession arrow. Well, on Monday, we saw a rare jump ball in college when Tyler and a Spartan both grabbed the opening tip. So, don't let anyone tell you there's no such thing as a jump ball in college.

4) The Heels had the most points and biggest lead at the half in championship history. Which was hilarious because both CBS analysts (Greg Anthony and Seth Davis) picked the Spartans before the game. The translation of their halftime analysis went something like this: "Uh, uh. We, uh, uh. Oops. Sorry, folks. Let's be honest. We didn't watch any of UNC's games in the tournament."

5) They interviewed Larry Bird about the historic 1979 title game, featuring him and Magic Johnson. Magic's Michigan State team defeated Larry's Indiana State club. In the interview, it seemed from Bird's answers that the game was just played. "It's unfortunate that we lost. But, you know, you got to move on."

6) Roy Williams spoke directly to Dean Smith in his championship interview. "Coach, I hope you're watching and enjoying this moment." I'd hate to break it to you, Roy, but Dean didn't watch your silly little basketball game. He had important dinner plans. Couldn't break 'em.

7) The sole negative aspect from winning this title is the damage it does to my wallet. Now, I gots to buy a hat, T-shirt, DVD, maybe a sweater. And anything else I can get my hands on.

8) I didn't tell anybody this (mostly because I was in Houston all week), but I picked Ellington as the Final Four MVP before Saturday's games. I promise. I also predicted he would score 30 in the championship, and his 17 at the half had him on pace.

As the second half progressed, I really thought Lawson was going to win the MVP. He did have a championship record eight steals and 21 points. They both deserved it, but I was glad to see them not just simply give it to the hyped star of the tournament. Lawson was brilliant all tournament long, but I thought Ellington was equally terrific, without getting half the credit.

9) During the celebration, I cried. Right there at the bar at Dave & Buster's surrounded by random people from Houston. I ain't ashamed. Just from the pure joy of those kids. I wished I was on the bench, so I could have gotten a big hug from Tyler, too. Did you see his excitement? Crazy. I'm on cloud 10 right now. That's one level higher than cloud nine.

10) I feel like I've earned this title as well. I was there when they lost the big second-half lead to Georgetown in 2007. I was there when they played like mentally challenged seventh-graders against Kansas in 2008. I was there all year long in 2009. Did you know I watched 30 UNC games this season?

11) Just remember, folks. THERE'S NOTHING FINER THAN CAROLINA.

THE TINA CURSING CORNER

As we were loading up the car Wednesday for Houston, those little things from trees were all around us. I don't have any idea what they are called. My mom had a guess. "This shit is flying everywhere."

Mom bumps into the edge of my bed. My room is small, so everything is close together. "And you wonder how I have fucking bruises all over my body."

THE DAILY TOP LIST
My favorite five championship teams.

5) 1972 Dolphins.
I wasn't there for it, but I do celebrate with them each season when the last remaining undefeated team loses.

4) 1995 Rockets.
Clyde was my favorite player as I started watching the NBA. So when he joined Houston for this season, I was at the liftoff stage. This seems like a good time to mention that I saw a guy at Popeye's in Houston that looked exactly like Drexler.

3) 2005 Tar Heels.
I have a special bond with the Big 3 of this team because we are in the same graduating class. Though they all left early, and I stayed for my senior year.

2) 2003 LSU.
The dominant defense will always stand out in my mind. Oh, and that rocking party we had at work.

1) 2009 Tar Heels.
Currently downloading One Shining Moment.