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.