On Monday night, former Our Lady of Sacred Heart and Moon star Puff Johnson played one of the best games of his career in North Carolina’s NCAA title loss to Kansas, scoring 11 points in the loss in New Orleans.
Johnson hit five of his nine field goal attempts in the game, including a put-back layup as the first-half buzzer sounded to increase the Tar Heels’ lead to 15 heading into the break. In the second half, after Kansas went on a huge run to take the lead, Johnson hit a big-time three to tie it up. He followed that up by drawing a charging foul on the other end, igniting the Tar Heel faithful.
Johnson was widely recognized on the broadcast and on social media throughout the game for his stellar performance off the bench. After Johnson made multiple big plays for the Heels, he was struck in the stomach and came up struggling to catch his breath. He went down on the floor, but returned to action later on.
With less than ten seconds remaining, Johnson missed a potential game-tying three pointer, and Kansas took home the championship seconds later after Caleb Love missed a shot at the buzzer.
The former PIAA state champion and first team all-state selection Johnson played 18 minutes in the championship effort, capping off his sophomore season with the Heels.
Who committed the charging foul on Puff Johnson. Might have been turning point in Kansas NCAA championship victory?
Struck in the stomach? Didn’t see that. He was having trouble breathing even after sitting on the bench. I think this should be looked into more thoroughly.