In an instant classic on paper, on TV screens and live in person, the North Carolina Tar Heels took down the Kentucky Wildcats 75-73 on Sunday night. The win brought North Carolina back to the Final Four and bounced a Kentucky team featuring three of the top 30 NBA prospects as part of their lineup. While freshman Malik Monk made things all even with mere seconds remaining, it was Luke Maye who ended up playing the role of hero for the Tar Heels and their fans. Here's how the Tar Heels edged the Wildcats in their Elite Eight battle on Sunday.

Maye gets game winner

Monday's newspaper headlines for the Carolina areas will familiarize many people with Luke Maye. He was called an "unlikely hero" as Maye is a former walk-on with the team. However, his basket may be one of the biggest of this season for the Tar Heels. With the game tied up 73-73, Maye nailed a shot from right inside the three-point arc left wing area to give Carolina the win, 75-73. Teammates embraced him moments later as Kentucky players lowered their heads following the loss. The game was closely-contested throughout. At halftime, UNC held a 38-33 advantage. Kentucky made their attempts in the second half, outscoring the Heels 40-37, but the two-point shot by Maye was the difference maker.

For the game, Maye came off the bench to finish with 17 points while forward Justin Jackson led all Tar Heels with 19 points. Kennedy Meeks finished with just seven points but a game-high 17 rebounds to help his team gain the victory.

On the losing side, Fox, Monk and Derek Willis all found themselves in foul trouble late with four apiece.

After his explosive output versus UCLA, De'Aaron Fox finished with just 13 points, as did teammate Edrice Adebayo. Monk, Humphries, and Hawkins all finished with double digits in the loss.

What's next for both teams

North Carolina is moving on to a Final Four battle. They'll be taking on a tough Oregon Ducks team that has won games without one of its players on the roster due to injury.

Most recently, Oregon took down a Kansas Jayhawks team that appeared to be steamrolling through all competitors. Now Carolina tries to avoid becoming the second No. 1 seed to fall to the Ducks. The game will be played next Sunday with CBS televising the contest. On the opposing side, the underdog South Carolina Gamecocks will try to upset the No. 1 Gonzaga Bulldogs.

As for the Kentucky Wildcats, this is generally considered a "one and done" program, where young basketball stars arrive for a chance at a quick NCAA title before heading to the NBA. Three of the team's players are expected to enter the NBA Draft as guards De'Aaron Fox and Malik Monk are top six prospects, and center Bam Adebayo is considered to be worthy of a top 30 pick. The team will still hold talent heading into next season and is likely to be considered a contender as with most seasons due to Calipari's top-notch recruiting.
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