HEY.. Heels & Devils Go At It Again

   A friend (who happens to be a Duke fan) told me the other day, "Your Tar Heels are in trouble now.  Duke is not only looking for revenge from losing to you last time, but now they are also upset about losing to Georgia Tech."  

  HEY-- # 1.. We can't help who you lost to.. but we can help who you're GONNA lose to this Saturday night.  Right ?  

  HEY--#2.. My team is on a current 12-game winning streak.  Although they didn't look GREAT against Virginia Tech or Notre Dame, they still managed to pull out victories by playing strong at the end.

  HEY-- #3.. Even if UNC loses to Duke on Saturday, I believe that we have the momentum going into the ACC Tournament.  The only team that may even come close to us is Virginia, but not Duke or Syracuse.


  

Heels Now in 2nd Place

 UNC's Tar Heels, by virtue of their amazing twelve-game winning streak, and a complete breakdown by former undefeated and #1 Syracuse, have now bolted into second place in the ACC standings, led only by another amazing team, Virginia.   The Cavs recently overtook Syracuse as the ACC leader, and Carolina, who was at the very bottom, tied for last place, in January, has crept up to vault Duke and now are tied with Syracuse for second.  A win in their final game with Duke, plus another Syracuse loss to Florida State, would put the Tar Heels into sole possession of second place.

   This is actually an amazing turn of events, as a short month ago, Syracuse was undefeated at 25-0 and ranked #1 in the college basketball polls.

   While this doesn't guarantee the Tar Heels anything, it does give them byes in the first two rounds of the ACC Tournament, and has great significance when it comes to seeding in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.   It seems like a miracle that since January, UNC has climbed from a mediocre team that was going nowhere, barely over .500 at 11-7, to a 23-7 squad rated #14 nationally, and poised for a #1 or #2 tournament seed, and perhaps tournament games near home.

  Keep posted.  We will cover the Duke game on Saturday.  Then.. things get really exciting as our Tar Heels, like everyone else, will settle into a do-or-die, one-&-done, run at the national championship.  What seemed like a distant dream two months ago is actually a realistic goal now.   We've seen Carolina's potential.   Now all they will have to do is live up to it for about ten more games.

STAY TUNED for Duke &  ACC TOURNAMENT COVERAGE

UNC Surges Into Home Stretch

A MIRACLE FINISH 
   A couple of months ago, I wouldn't have bet a nickel on Carolina's chances of salvaging a good, much less remarkable season.   They were 11-7, barely over .500, and tied for last place in the ACC standings.   Twelve games later.. well.. they have pulled off an amazing miracle run of twelve straight wins, and now stand 23-7, passing Duke for third place in the ACC.  The Tar Heels have already secured a two-game BYE in the ACC Tournament, and will not play until the Quarterfinals. They have also finally vaulted back into national prominence, at #14 in the latest college basketball polls.  A win against Duke will most surely put them back into the Top Ten, and stake their claim for a high seed in the NCAA Tournament.
 
    Since the last post, UNC has notched their 11th and 12th wins in a row, at Virginia Tech and Notre Dame at home.  Surprisingly, both of these wins came with some degree of difficulty, considering the weaker opposition.   The Tar Heels' last three games have been won by a combined total of seven points.  Is this a point of concern, heading into the regular season finale against Duke, and the postseason ?

TAR HEELS : SURGING OR SLUGGISH ? 
   Tar Heel guard Marcus Paige said, "If we have big goals and dreams, we can’t have all these sluggish games."  In these wins, Carolina hasn't looked terrible.   They have just allowed weaker teams to stay within striking distance, and then have to either make a rally or hold on to a slim lead at the end of games to pull out the win.  This luxury, however, of being close at the end of games may not follow them into the post-season tournament.  When they are facing teams of the caliber of Duke, Syracuse, or Wichita State, it will take forty minutes of a total effort from every player to secure a victory.

   It seems that the sluggish play has been a result of lack of focus and concentration, and desire.  Point guard Nate Britt remarked, "We’ve talked about the need to pick it up, especially the intensity level the last few games... [They] have been close and we could have played a whole lot better."   Even Coach Roy Williams pointed out that the Tar Heels were sharper in their previous day's practice than they were in the win over Notre Dame.

CRUNCH TIME 
   Okay.  It's crunch time.  We all know the history and tradition of Tar Heels basketball. We always tend to play our best basketball in March and April.   We can't afford a letdown, after such a marvellous display over the last twelve games.   Our Heels looked like a band of ragamuffins back in January.   Now, in recent games, they have shown the promise of being a contender for a run into the tournament, and maybe even a title.

  We go play Duke at their place, Cameron Indoor Stadium, on Saturday.  Obviously, the place will be humming with crowd noise.  It's imperative that we pull together and play Tar Heels basketball.   After the Duke game comes the ACC Tournament, and odds are great that we will be facing two teams that beat us earlier, Syracuse and Virginia.  And then, the NCAA tournment, where heaven-only-knows what powerhouses we will come up against in the brackets.  

   The Bottom Line :  It don't get any easier from this point on.

   It's time to suck it up and show us what you got.  As Nike says, "Just Do It."

Tar Heel Team on Same Paige

   Carolina squeaked out a narrow victory over a scrappy, determined NC State Wolfpack on Wednesday night on a shot in the last second of overtime, 85-84.

   UNC’s game with NC State reminded me of two different fictional scenarios.

• The game’s start brought “The Tortoise and The Hare” to mind.  This has been a reoccurring theme in UNC’s season: starting out sluggish, only to finish in a frenzy.  

• The game’s heated ending reminded me of “The Shootout at the OK Corral,” as Carolina’s Marcus Paige (35 points) and State’s T.J. Warren (36 points) gunned it out in the final minutes.

      
   The Tar Heels got out of the gate slow, scoring only 15 points in the first 15 minutes, as they fell behind by eleven, 26-15.  Carolina, however, battled back to make the game closer throughout the second half.

   UNC went ahead for only the second time in the game at the 7:00 mark of the second half, 53-52, on a J.P. Tokoto layup. The game would go down to the wire, as Warren, the ACC’s leading scorer, and Paige, Carolina’s go-to guy, would trade baskets right down to the last seconds of the game. 

   It was ironic that foul shooting, which has been UNC’s thorn in most games, eventually won them the game.  Warren hit two foul shots with 1.5 seconds in regulation to tie the game and send it into overtime. But then, with seven seconds left in OT, his miss at the foul line opened the door for the incredible ending.

   Marcus Paige, who scored an amazing 31 of his 35 points in the second half, looked more like a hare than a tortoise, as he took the inbounds pass, and being double- and triple-teamed, nevertheless streaked down the lane for a scoop layup with less than a second left on the clock to seal the Tar Heels victory and tenth win in a row.

   This game will probably go down as one of the most exciting games in Carolina history.  I know I'm going to keep it on the DVR at least for awhile.

Next Up :  Saturday at Virginia Tech,  &  Monday vs. Notre Dame

Lucky Numbers : UNC Rallies to Beat Duke

      If you bet against the Tar Heels on Thursday night, you were unlucky.
 

Lucky 13 was the Tar Heels Number

     Thirteen was a lucky number for the Tar Heels on Thursday night.  Point guard Marcus Paige, shut down by Duke double teams in the first half, broke out to score all of his 13 points in the second half and lead the Tar Heels to a great win over the Blue Devils.  Duke helped in the cause by missing 13 shots in a row during the second stanza.

     If the Tar Heels win out in their remaining games, they will enter the ACC Tournament with a 13-game winning streak and a 24-7 record.

   Eight was also a lucky number for UNC (19-7, 9-4), as they beat Duke by an eight-point margin, 74-66, to win their eighth straight game.  The win brought them a half-game within third-place Duke in the ACC standings.  Virginia (13-1) took over first place as previously unbeaten Syracuse (12-1) lost to Boston College this past week.

UNC-Duke Game Summary

   Carolina shot out to an early 6-0 lead, but Duke fought back and led for most of the game, though it was only a single-digit lead most of the way.  The Blue Devils managed to stretch their lead  to eleven early in the second half at 51-40, and hold on until the four-minute shooting drought allowed the Heels to make their rally and take control of the game.  UNC, who has had free throw shooting woes the entire season, only shot 66% (20-31) during the game, but was able to make their last ten shots from the line to secure the victory.

   The leading scorer for Carolina was Leslie McDonald, with a season-high 21 points.

UNC-Wake Forest Game Summary

   On Saturday, UNC faced Wake Forest, who they had lost to in their first ACC game back in early January.  It may have looked like a trap game for the Heels.  But this time was a totally different story, as the Tar Heels shot ahead early, led by 19 at halftime, and completely dominated the Deacons for their ninth straight win, breaking the century mark, 105-72. 

   This win also gave the Tar Heels (20-7) their 55^th 20-win season over the last 105 years.

   The Tar Heels built their big lead in the first half at the free throw line, hitting on 16-17 shots, while Wake Forest only shot 1-4 at the stripe.  The second half saw Carolina hold and extend their lead with tight, aggressive defense, and an array of layups, dunks and three-pointers on offense. 

   UNC’s shooting was torrid in this game, with over 60% FG’s, and over 70% of both Free Throws and 3-Point shots.

   Carolina is still missing from the Top 25 AP & ESPN basketball polls.  What’s up with that ?   I’m sure they will probably break back into the pack this week.   If not, then I think the sportscasters and sportswriters should go see their eye doctor.

Next Up : Wed Feb 26 : The Tar Heels go for Ten Straight against NC State.  

SHOWDOWN ON TOBACCO ROAD

UNC TAR HEELS UPDATE
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   A perennially historic ACC rivalry has taken on new meaning as Duke and Carolina meet on Thursday night in a snow makeup game in Chapel Hill.  Both teams struggled at times in the beginning of the season.  But these powerhouses come into this big game as two of the hottest teams in the country, Carolina having won seven games in a row, and Duke winning 9 of their last 10.

   After an up and down start, UNC has come on of late, showing signs of greatness during their recent winning streak.  At one time tied for last place in the ACC, the Tar Heels are now fourth (8-4, 18-7), inching ahead of Pittsburgh after beating them on Saturday, and can pull into a practical tie with Duke for third place by winning on Thursday night.  Undefeated Syracuse (25-0) and Virginia (12-1 ACC) remain in first and second place in the league standings.

TAR HEELS GAME SUMMARIES
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   On Saturday, Feb. 8, the Tar Heels traveled to play Notre Dame.  Carolina stayed in their normal mode of starting slow and finishing fast.  The only lead the Tar Heels had in the first half was 2-0 until the last two minutes, when Marcus Paige sparked an 11-2 run to go ahead at intermission, 27-23.  The Heels pulled away in the 2nd half, winning by double digits, 73-62, led by McAdoo with 18 points and Paige with 16.   

    A week later, on Saturday, Feb. 15, the Tar Heels were at home against Pittsburgh.  

Pitt led early, but steals and breakaway dunks by James Michael McAdoo and Isaiah Hicks in the last five minutes of the first half, and by J.P. Tokoto in the first two minutes of the second half, put UNC ahead for good, and set the tone for the rest of the game.  The Tar Heels led by as many as 12 in the second half, but Pitt closed to within two before the Heels pulled out their sixth straight win, 75-71.  McAdoo led the way with 24 points and 12 rebounds.

   On Monday night, the Tar Heels eeked out a victory over less talented, but scrappy Florida State, 81-75, winning their seventh game in a row, and giving Coach Roy Williams his 300th win at North Carolina.    A cold and sloppy start for UNC allowed the Seminoles to get out to an early 15-point lead, 21-6.  Neither team looked exceptional, but the inside play of Kennedy Meeks, who scored 21 of his 23 points in the first half, kept the Heels in the game, and brought them within three at 36-33.  Meeks, who recently became a freshman starter, made up for a poor performance by McAdoo, who was held scoreless, breaking his 16-game streak of scoring in double figures. McAdoo spent much of the game on the bench in foul trouble, and eventually fouled out with four minutes to go in the game.  Marcus Paige added 20 points, hitting several key shots to put Carolina in the lead for the first time at the mid-point of the second half.

CAROLINA vs DUKE : THE SHOWDOWN 
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DUKE-UNC SHOWDOWN

    After struggling but winning over several average opponents, UNC now faces #5 Duke at home.  If Carolina doesn't play to their capabilities, Duke will win.  As previously noted, BOTH teams are playing well and on winning streaks.  UNC must shoot and rebound well, and also protect the basketball.  Turnovers and poor free throw shooting could spell doom for the Heels.  However, we have played excellent basketball in spurts, and if we can put together a complete game, we have a great chance of beating Duke.   A win over the Blue Devils would not only give us our eighth win in a row, but also motivate the Heels and go a long way toward paving the way to a good seed in the NCAA Tournament.

  
 What do you think?   Heels or Devils?   Who will win tonight?   We'll find out soon enough.. and bring you a report.   


  

Thanks for being a fan of UNC Basketball and of this Tar Heels blog!

Out of a Slump & Over the Hump ?

No Clue about the Blue
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   If I were a psychic or detective, I would tell you how UNC’s Tar Heels have come out of hiding lately and seem to have regained their elite form.  Earlier in the season, “Roy’s Boys” were beating up on Top Five competition like Michigan State, Louisville, and Kentucky.  They were also entertaining two upperclassmen stars on their bench in street clothes, anticipating their return to the court.  As only one of them actually returned, their highly touted shooting guard P.J. Hairston, on suspension for possible NCAA violations, was also permanently suspended by UNC. 

   It was at this point that perennial powerhouse North Carolina seemed to go into shock, going just 4-5 over the next nine games, dropping out of the Top 25, losing their first three ACC games in a row, and at one time, being tied for LAST place in the conference.  As I’ve said earlier, this is just not the tradition of Carolina basketball.

Tar Heels on a Mission
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   Over the last ten days or so, the Tar Heels seem to be revitalized and on a mission, winning four games in a row.  Now at 15-7, they remain in the middle of the pack with a 5-4 league record, but are only three games out of second place, with critical games next week against Duke and Pittsburgh, games that could potentially turn their season in a positive direction.

    After the Virginia loss (on Jan. 20), the Tar Heels met together as a team and began to hold each other accountable for their recent miserable performance. Each player took responsibility and determined to play up to his own individual potential.  It apparently lit a fire which caused a noticeable pickup in the intensity of their play.  The Tar Heels won against Clemson, Georgia Tech and NC State by double figures.  While still lapsing into sloppy or lackluster play at times, they have managed to maintain composure and pull out games.

  

    Last night, they played a decent Maryland team (13-9) who, coming into this game, was actually a half game ahead of the Tar Heels in the ACC standings.  After building huge early leads of 12-0 and 19-3, UNC allowed the Terrapins to come back and make a game of it.  UNC started the second half in a lull, only scoring 12 points in the first ten minutes and allowing Maryland to cut their lead to six points before pulling away to win, 75-63.  The Tar Heels relied heavily on guard Marcus Paige’s 25 points, and Brice Johnson, who added 19 points.  The Tar Heels shot 49% from the floor (25-51), but only 51% (19-37) at the foul line.  They also shot 40% from beyond the 3-point arc (6-15).

   Carolina has shown signs of brilliance lately, but the key to a late-season resurgence is consistency.  They must limit their turnovers and make their free throws.  If the Tar Heels can build some momentum by stringing excellent plays and runs into complete games, they have a decent chance of making a run into the NCAA Tournament.  But first, they must make a good showing against talented ACC teams like Duke, Pittsburgh and Syracuse.  They failed their first test with Syracuse;  they have two chances this coming week against Duke and Pitt.  

   NEXT UP:  Saturday at Notre Dame.