North Carolina’s 86-83 victory over Washington was a hard-fought win that has to remind Carolina fans of the tough NCAA tournament victory over LSU two years ago as the Heels were on their way to the NCAA title.

While this Carolina team might not get that far, this win seems important. Washington was a tough matchup for Carolina with big guys that could hang with the Tar Heels and three-point shooters.

Carolina was outrebounded (38-35), outshot from the three-point line (10 to six) and was down by 11 in the first half. Yet the Tar Heels found a way to reach the Sweet 16 for a record 24th time.

The Tar Heels also won despite a below-par offensive game from John Henson, who seemed to get beat up a bit by the big bodies on the Washington team. He hit only four of 10 shots and two of five free throws.

But the guards, Kendall Marshall and Dexter Strickland played well. Marshall had 14 assists, breaking a UNC tournament record and Strickland got six rebounds, 13 points and didn’t turn the ball over.

Plus, Tyler Zeller and Harrison Barnes continue their excellent late-season runs. Zeller, who can score on anybody when he gets to his jump hook spot, led all scorers with 23 points. Barnes, who hit four threes and came up with three steals, added 22 points.

After not making the NCAA tournament last year and with an entirely different starting five this year, North Carolina has to now feel that this has been a successful season, no matter what happens in the East Regional finals.

The Tar Heels have won the ACC regular season against all predictions and have survived a tough team in the NCAA tournament. While it might seem like gravy from here on, and some pressure may be off, make no mistake that this team isn’t satisfied yet. Within minutes after the game, the players were talking about going to Newark, NJ. There is still some work to do.

For more on the Washington game, please click here.