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.