FIRST LOOK

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP ILLINOIS vs. NORTH CAROLINA Monday, 6:21 p.m. PDT, Channel 2

How they match up: The glaring problem for Illinois is North Carolina’s Sean May. The 6-foot-9, 260-pound center is not only 25 pounds heavier than any Illinois starter, he also weighs 10 pounds more than 7-2 Illinois reserve Nick Smith. More important, May has been a monster in the NCAA tournament, averaging almost 22 points and 11 rebounds. The athleticism and versatility of the Tar Heels’ other forwards, particularly Rashad McCants, Jawad Williams and sixth-man Marvin Williams, look like a problem for Illinois too. Give the Illini an advantage at the point, where Deron Williams’ heady floor game is steadier than that of the flashier Raymond Felton.

Keys to the game: The issue is pace. Few teams can beat the Tar Heels in a running game, but their Achilles’ heel is defensive intensity. Michigan State didn’t control the pace in the second half in its semifinal matchup, giving up 54 points in the second half, and 87 in the game. In five NCAA tournament games, Carolina has scored in the 80s twice and the 90s twice, but was held to 67 in a close call against Villanova.

-- Robyn Norwood