2009 NCAA Basketball Final Preview

Yes, 9:21 PM, not 9 PM. Right, you've got it: all the pre-game glitz and glamour will take place from 9 PM - 9:21 PM.

Michigan St. (31-6) has a semi-home-field advantage. Ford Field in Detroit is only 90 miles from their stomping grounds. But the Spartans will be a decided underdog: North Carolina brings a lineup sporting at least 5 players who are considered to be NBA-caliber, and who may jump if the Tar Heels win tonight.

North Carolina (33-4) is led by Tyler Hansbrough, Ty Lawson, Wayne Ellington and Danny Green, who all decided to return after a disappointing loss to Kansas at last year's Final Four. In addition to these four who returned, there is also Freshman F Ed Davis.

This lineup was considered so powerful, an undefeated season was considered to be reachable, though not by coach Roy Williams. And naturally, it didn't happen.

The Spartans have Kalin Lucas, the Big Ten player of the year, Travis Walton, the Big Ten defensive player of the year, and Raymar Morgan (18 points, nine rebounds in the win over Connecticut on Saturday) on their side. They also have coach Tom Izzo, who like Williams is seeking his second NCAA championship.

But Michigan St. will have to play much better than they did in December, when NC blasted them 98-63.

Tune in at 9:21 PM EDT to find out.

See how you can watch the NCAA Final online.