North Carolina plays with so much pride and passion. This is a team that care about the name on the front of the jersey.

My friends, Roy Williams has this Tar Heel squad playing terrific defense. Washington State is a quality team, and North Carolina gave up its lowest point total of the season. The perimeter defense was outstanding as the Cougars hit just two-of-16 trifectas.

Tyler Hansbrough did not have a point until the final two minutes of the first half, yet Carolina was still up by double figures. Hansbrough finished with 18 points and nine rebounds.

Once again North Carolina dominated on the glass, leading to fast break points. Danny Green came off the bench and had 10 early points to provide a major spark.

This Tar Heels team is so different with Ty Lawson in the lineup. You can see it in the offensive efficiency and ability to convert transition baskets.

Williams and company understand that the Elite Eight was the stumbling block a season ago. I believe North Carolina has learned from the loss to Georgetown.

It is going to be tough to slow down North Carolina.

Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in December 1979. Send him a question for possible use on ESPNEWS.