Tar Heels’ Path Looks a Bit Easier

The Syracuse Regional hasn’t gone as expected, which could be good news for top-seeded North Carolina.

When the NCAA tournament field was revealed, this 16-team group appeared to represent the most difficult of the four regionals, but second-seeded Connecticut, third-seeded Kansas and fourth-seeded Florida were upset in the first and second rounds.

Fifth-seeded Villanova, sixth-seeded Wisconsin and 10th-seeded North Carolina State join North Carolina in the regional semifinals, so now the Tar Heels seemingly have an easier path to the Final Four.

But North Carolina said it wouldn’t take anything for granted tonight against Villanova at the Carrier Dome.

“We’ve been all about just taking care of business, and that hasn’t changed,” All-American center Sean May said. “We still haven’t reached the goal that we want.”

North Carolina (29-4) worked efficiently at the Charlotte, N.C., subregional.

The Tar Heels’ defense and fastbreak were in top form in a 92-68 opening-round victory over 16th-seeded Oakland of Rochester, Mich., and a 92-65 second-round victory against ninth-seeded Iowa State.

May had 24 points and 17 rebounds against Iowa State, and freshman forward Marvin Williams, the Atlantic Coast Conference rookie of the year, averaged 20 points and 11.5 rebounds.

Villanova (24-7) defeated 12th-seeded New Mexico and Florida at the Nashville subregional. Forward Curtis Sumpter, the Wildcats’ top rebounder and second-leading scorer, suffered a torn ligament in his left knee against Florida and will sit out the remainder of the tournament.

“The No. 1 issue is that Curtis gives us size on the front line.... That’s something we’re obviously going to miss,” Villanova Coach Jay Wright said. “He gives us the ability to guard big perimeter people like a Marvin Williams.

“Curtis always could guard those kinds of guys. And offensively, he’s a mismatch.”

Wisconsin (24-8) faces North Carolina State (21-13) in tonight’s first semifinal.

The Badgers defeated 11th-seeded Northern Iowa and 14th-seeded Bucknell, which upset Kansas in the first round.

At the Worcester, Mass., subregional, North Carolina State defeated seventh-seeded Charlotte and Connecticut, the defending national champion. Swingman Julius Hodge had a three-point play with 4.3 seconds remaining, providing the difference in a 65-62 victory over Connecticut.

The Badgers and Wolfpack have highly structured half-court offenses.

“A lot of things are similar, both teams are looking to get inside, but it is not the same offense,” Wisconsin forward Mike Wilkinson said. “They both have the same type of principle: Get good looks ... then take what’s best for the team.”

Following Hodge’s lead has been best for North Carolina State, Coach Herb Sendek said.

“I take tremendous pleasure in seeing Julius Hodge continue to succeed,” he said. “Obviously, he has played outstanding basketball as we’ve progressed here down the stretch.”