WRAL Sports Fan

College Basketball

Williams Coaches Tar Heels to Win Despite Sister's Death

Mar 16, 2007

Winston-Salem, N.C. — Roy Williams coached North Carolina to a win in the first round of the NCAA tournament Thursday night, one day after his older sister's death.

UNC had little trouble with Eastern Kentucky 86-65.

Frances Baker died Wednesday night, a team spokesman said. Sources tell WRAL she had a prolonged illness and died at an assisted-living facility in Charlotte. She was the last immediate family member of Williams.

The top-seeded Tar Heels were playing Eastern Kentucky in the East Regional game.

Athletic director Dick Baddour said he thought the coach had remained with the team Thursday, and he had expected Williams to be on the sideline to lead North Carolina against the Colonels.

No other details were immediately available.