With just one spot in the 2012 Final Four still up for grabs, we've got a pair of the country's top programs hitting the hardwood: North Carolina vs. Kansas. Before the game tips off in St. Louis, however, the story is all about a young man who won't be playing.
UNC will take on Kansas without injured point guard Kendall Marshall, who fractured a bone in his wrist during the team's Round of 32 win over Creighton. Without Marshall piloting the Heels' offense, Roy Williams' squad struggled against Ohio, needing overtime to edge the No. 13 Bobcats in the Sweet 16.
Williams' former employer, Kansas, also found itself in a taut battle in the Sweet 16. The Jayhawks survived a frenzied challenge from the Wolfpack of N.C. State. Kansas needed 10 blocks from Jeff Withey and a gritty game from Robinson to overcome a forgettable night from Tyshawn Taylor.
After his own lackluster performance, Harrison Barnes came through for North Carolina in the overtime session against Ohio. Can he keep his team's offense on track with Stillman White starting in place of Marshall? Or will Thomas Robinson and Kansas be able to keep the UNC offense from finding any rhythm?
A trip to New Orleans awaits the winner of this epic Elite Eight matchup in the Midwest Region. Stay tuned for live updates throughout the action: