UNC tops Washington 81-59, advances to Sweet Sixteen in NCAA Tournament

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTVD) -- North Carolina is headed to the Sweet Sixteen for the 29th time in school history after beating the Washington Huskies Sunday afternoon 81-59.

Applying what they learned from the Iona game, the Tar Heels got off to a fast start against Washington thanks to four Coby White first half three's. A 13-0 run in the 2nd half kept the momentum up and UNC cruised to victory.

UNC was able to execute its goal of getting the ball to the middle of the paint with Luke Maye and his medium range jump shots.

Maye ended up with a double-double: 20 points and 14 rebounds. Also, Nassir Little took the team on a personal 11-0 run, doing his damage closer to the rim. He too ended up with 20. At one point Little tried to dunk on a pair of Huskies, drawing a foul.

UNC sophomore Garrison Brooks is leaving Columbus with a few stitches and minus a tooth. An elbow knocked him out for a spell in the first half. Showing some toughness he came back and battled in the second half.

Senior Kenny Williams left early in the 2nd half clutching his left hamstring. He returned to the game and said it isn't of concern.

The Heels are set to play Auburn this Friday, but game times have not yet been released.