WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama has called University of North Carolina basketball coach Roy Williams to congratulate the Tar Heels on their NCAA championship.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs says Obama called Williams from Air Force One on Tuesday. Gibbs also says Obama thanked Williams for "vindicating him in front of the entire country." Obama picked UNC to win the championship in his much-watched basketball bracket.

UNC on Monday defeated Michigan State, 89-72, to win the school's fifth NCAA basketball championship.

Gibbs says Obama looks forward to welcoming the entire UNC team to the White House soon.