'Twas the night before Carolina...

'Twas the night before Carolina, when all through gym,

Not one light was on, not even on dim;

The nets were hung from the rims with care,

Knowing that the Tar Heels soon would be there;

At the lodge, the Wildcats were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of dunks and jumpers danced in their heads;

And Wall in his PJs, and Patrick in his cot,

Had just settled down for a final pre-game chat,

For they both knew that for all the hype and chatter,

This was the first game that really mattered.

John knew he'd have to play like a flash,

And Patrick would need to dominate to cause a Rupp victory bash.

The Tar Heels with their talent would be ready to show,

That they could match the buzzing Wildcats blow for blow,

Coach Cal and Coach Roy, two of the very, very best;

Are ready to finally put all the doubts and questions to rest,

Stalking their sidelines with energy and passion,

Their expensive suits revealing the very latest fashion.

This is the ultimate game, for they both knew,

A battle of two of the best basketball programs to ever where blue;

Who will win and who will lose, no one knows for sure,

But for those wanting to watch a great game will finally have a cure.

Yet, for now we wait for the lights to be turned on bright,

And all of Big Blue Nation waits for the ultimate fight!

But for now, Merry Christmas to all and to all good night!