Williams laments possible sanctions for Heels

GLENDALE, Ariz. — North Carolina returned to the national title game, and avenged one of the most heartbreaking losses in college basketball history. But will the Tar Heels get to defend their latest crown?

Because of the protracted NCAA investigation, and legal stalling by North Carolina, into the school’s academic scandal — which involved more than 3,000 students, including basketball and football players, taking phony classes between 2007-11 — the Tar Heels have been eligible to participate in the past two NCAA Tournaments.

Eventually, though, a punishment will be rendered, and when — not if — the hammer finally falls on the Tar Heels, the decision could include a postseason ban. That punishment, however, would impact players who had nothing to do with the scandal.

After Monday night’s 71-65 win over Gonzaga, Roy Williams — who became the f irst coach to win three national titles at his alma mater — reiterated his innocence and said he believes his program won’t be penalized.

“I wish it got no attention, but I know it’s out there,” Williams said. “The last three or four years have been very hard. I told you, people have questioned my integrity, and that means more to me than anything.

“I know that we did nothing wrong. I know that I did nothing wrong. I’ve been investigated 77 times, it seems like. And everybody came to that conclusion.

“I used to say that I hoped that it was over with before I retired. Now I’m saying I hope it’s over with before I die.”

North Carolina won its two Final Four games by seven points, the lowest margin by any champion since 1989 (Michigan) … The Tar Heels hit 4-of-27 3-pointers Monday night, and made 29.4 percent of 3-pointers in the NCAA Tournament, the worst shooting by any national champion since 1987.

Gonzaga (37-2) became the fourth straight one-loss team since 1985 to lose in the national title game. … UConn (1999) remains the only team in the past 50 years to win in its first Final Four appearance.