Taylor's 22 lead KU to 80-67 win over Carolina

The Jayhawks seemed on the verge of pulling away several times, only to have Carolina reel them back in. But just before the midway point of the second half, Kansas established some breathing room when Travis Releford scored on a jumper to start an 8-2 run. Taylor capped the spurt with a swirl-in jumper and a dunk off a turnover by John Henson to give the Jayhawks a 66-61 lead.

Tyler Zeller pulled the Tar Heels within two on a putback, and Harrison Barnes made the first of two free throws to make it 68-67 with 3:58 to play. But Johnson, shooting almost 52 percent in the tournament, drained that 3 from NBA range to start the decisive run.

"It was a four-point game. It quickly became nine," said Zeller, who had 12 points and six rebounds. "We had a timeout and I think we still thought we had a chance then. We came down and they made a great stop. ... Once they started making free throws, it hit double digits and we knew time was running out."

Final Four

Saturday, March 31

Mercedes-Benz Superdome

New Orleans, Louisiana

Game 1

(4) Louisville vs.

(1) Kentucky, 4:09 p.m.

(2) Kansas vs.

(2) Ohio State, 6:49 p.m.

TV: CBS Heady goes here

TextFinal Four

Saturday, March 31

Mercedes-Benz Superdome

New Orleans, Louisiana

(4) Louisville vs. (1) Kentucky,

4:09 p.m.

(2) Kansas vs. (2) Ohio State,

6:49 p.m.

TV: CBS