WILDCATS

Jackson: 'A little friendly banter' with Monk

Jeff Greer
@jeffgreer_cj

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Social media buzzed as North Carolina's Justin Jackson and Kentucky's Malik Monk exchanged pleasantries during the first half of UNC's thrilling 75-73 South Region final win over Kentucky at FedExForum on Sunday.

No, they were not discussing their Easter plans.

It was actually "just a little friendly banter" between two of the stars on the court, Jackson said.

"You know, Malik is a great player," Jackson said. "And for me, I was assigned the duty of trying to slow him down a little bit, and so you can get fired up a little bit. That's rare for me, but at this stage and at this point of the season, I feel like there's really nothing that you should keep in."

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Malik Monk makes the shot that ties North Carolina with about eight seconds left on the clock. March 26, 2017