Bodog Beat

Tyler Hansbrough led North Carolina to the Final Four (AP Images)

At times it looked as though Louisville would make a push for the win, but at the end of the day it was the historic University of North Carolina who eventually came out on top by a score of 83-73.

Led once again by junior Tyler Hansbrough, the Tar Heels held on to a game-long lead despite a number of Cardinals scares.

Hansbrough's 28 points and 13 rebounds came on 12-17 shooting from the field, a testament to the 22-year old's dominance in the NCAA.

It was a well fought game throughout as both teams finished with field goal percentages in excess of 50 per cent.

In a losing effort, sophomore guard Jerry Smith added 17 points.

The Cards narrowed the gap to within three with just over six minutes remaining, but UNC would battle back to restore the lead.

Five Tar Heels finished the game in double digits, including Hansbrough and guard Wayne Ellington who wound up with 13 in the win.

Also finishing in double-digits were Ty Lawson, Deon Thompson and super-sub Danny Green.

The Final Four berth gives UNC head coach Roy Williams his sixth appearance and the UNC program its third in the past decade.

North Carolina will face the winner of Sunday's Kansas vs. Davidson next week.

NCAA Men’s tournament elite 8 result.