Creighton vs UNC: Video Highlights, Twitter Reaction and Grades

Creighton was game, especially in the first half, but North Carolina's length and overall talent was too much. Even an 85 percent effective John Henson was a huge factor on the inside. He challenged shots and secured second shot opportunities for the Tar Heels.

Henson boosted his already-high draft stock in this game. He was the biggest difference in this game. He ran the floor, rebounded, showed offensive weapons and finished close to the basket.

The Bluejays could have stayed closer in this game, but Henson made the size advantage count with effort and energy.

The Heels rolled to a 87-73 win and a berth in the Sweet 16. The Heels couldn't celebrate their win for very long. News that Kendall Marshall broke a bone in his right hand sobered the Heels up quickly.

ESPN and AP report:

"

Kendall Marshall broke a bone in his right wrist during the second half of North Carolina's 87-73 victory over Creighton in the third round of the NCAA tournament on Sunday.

Coach Roy Williams confirmed the injury after the game, and said he would talk to Marshall and his parents about his status Sunday night. The point guard still finished with 18 points and 11 assists

"

Tweets of the Night

ESPN Stats gave us this bit of info on the two teams' scoring pace. It set us up for a high-scoring affair:

"

Both Creighton (13-0) and UNC (15-0) are undefeated when scoring at least 85 points this season.

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 18, 2012"

They didn't disappoint. The Bluejays showed themselves to be a solid scoring team, even against the Tar Heels' great interior defense. 

Early on, John Henson's emotions got the best of him, and he got a technical. Here's what the Bill Walton Trip thought of that play:

"

Since John Henson's technical, UNC has been destroying Creighton. Somewhere Kevin Garnett is smiling at his tactics.

— The Bill Walton Trip (@NotBillWalton) March 18, 2012"

It was no doubt Henson ignited the Heels, and the technical only seemed to focus them.

Creighton did have a few moments. None of them were more exciting than Gregory Echenique's facial in the grill of Henson. Ryan Apostle quickly offered some sobering news to anyone who got overly excited over the play:

"

Dude is getting all excited cuz he dunked on Henson...ah your down 20 homie

— Ryan Sicre (@RyanApostle) March 18, 2012"

It's true, Ryan, but that doesn't change how nasty that dunk was. Take it for what it's worth, and that was a nasty two.

Finally, and most poignantly, Gruesome Greg gives us:

"

UNC looks good against Creighton. I think that Final Four pick is safe! #MarchMadness

— Gruesome Greg (@gruesomeviews) March 18, 2012"

This sums it up. The Heels looked like a national championship team today. Creighton is a solid squad, and they will return all but one key player next season.

((Update)) After the game was done, ESPN's Jay Bilas offered us this crushing news to UNC's fans and title hopes:

"

Terrible news for UNC (and for college basketball). Reported that PG Kendall Marshall broke his right hand v. Creighton. Just awful news.

— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) March 19, 2012"

Talk about taking all the sugar out of the fruit. This is a crushing blow, and in many ways, it's an even bigger loss than any other the Heels could be faced with.

Must-See Highlights

You want to know how this game was won?

Take a look at this sequence of plays keyed by John Henson. They happened over a five-minute span in the second half:

Henson grabs the impossible rebound and kicks it out for the three-point basket.

Henson goes all Rasheed Wallace on us and hits the baseline jump-shot.

Henson gets the steal after pulling the chair from under Doug McDermott. He then runs the floor and gets the pretty scoop finish and the foul.

Finally, he rejects Echenique and keeps it inbounds with some Bill Russell-esque action.

Oh yeah, I did mention that Echenique had moment. Tar Heels fans, close your eyes.

Grades for Tar Heels Key Players

John Henson: A-

Henson energized the team, finishing with 13 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks. He was the single biggest difference-maker in the game.

Kendall Marshall: A-

Quietly ran the show with efficiency. He was 7-of-8 from the field with 18 points and a delightful 11 assists. This is the type of lead guard play you need to win it all.

Now with Marshall's hand injury, things are a bit dicey. If he's done for the tournament, you have to wonder how the Heels will respond.

Harrison Barnes: B-

Barnes wasn't spectacular, but he was aggressive. He shot only 7-of-19 from the field with 17 points with five rebounds.

This just goes to show how talented this team is. Barnes is the team's best player, but others stepped up and no one noticed he didn't dominate. 

Grades for Bluejays Key Players

Doug McDermott: A-

McDermott played well and gave a great effort, as did all of the Bluejays. He proved he could play with big-time talent.

McDermott had 20 points and eight rebounds in a strong performance.

Ethan Wragge: C

Wragge can shoot it, but he didn't connect on as many as they needed him to. Sure, 3-of-8 is decent from three, but not what was needed for this game.

It's a hard grade, but Creighton needed a lights-out shooting performance.

Deciding Factor: Shooting

The size was too much for the Bluejays. The Heels out rebounded the Bluejays 43-34, and the size lead to a discrepancy in shooting percentage. Tar Heels outshot the Bluejays 51 percent to 11 percent.

Game MVP: John Henson

Easily it's Henson. He dominated for the game-deciding stretch in the second half, and that was the key to the victory.

What's Next?

The Heels move on to take on either South Florida or Ohio. They will probably be hoping for Ohio, as no one wants to play the ugly style of the USF Bulls. This is now even more complicated.

Without Marshall to run the show, UNC would have to face the pressure defense of the Bulls without their floor general. That is a huge blow. 

For Creighton, they will return every key player besides Antoine Young. Look for them to be ranked in the Top 25 all year for this upcoming season.