Thu Mar 27 21:41:49 2008

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Hansbrough and Tar Heels advance to Elite Eight

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Charlotte, NC (Sports Network) - Tyler Hansbrough shook off a field goal-free first half to score 18 points and the top-seeded North Carolina Tar Heels played the part of defensive stoppers in a 68-47 victory over fourth-seeded Washington State in a East Regional Sweet 16 contest.

Washington State had allowed just 40.5 points per contest in the NCAA Tournament, while North Carolina had scored 221 points in its first two victories. The contrast of playing styles held serve early before the Tar Heels (35-2) used defensive pressure to trigger offensive efficiency for the final 30 minutes.

Danny Green scored 12 of his 15 points in the first half and Wayne Ellington added nine of his 13 in the first 20 minutes, as All-American Tyler Hansbrough was held to just two points on 0-of-4 shooting.

Ty Lawson added 12 points and five rebounds for the Tar Heels, who will meet either Tennessee or Louisville in the East Regional final on Saturday.

Derrick Low and Aron Baynes scored 14 points apiece for the Cougars (26-9), who were undone by poor shooting from every spot on the field. Kyle Weaver needed 13 shots to score his 10 points, though he grabbed seven rebounds.