The last time UNC faced Wisconsin is was the 2005 East Regional Final at the Carrier Dome. UNC won 88-81 behind another big game from Sean May sending UNC to the Final Four and Roy Williams’ first national title.
Obviously much lower stakes on the line in this one but coming off the loss to UNLV the Heels really need a nice bounce back effort here before heading to Lexington.
Comments if you have ‘em.
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We’ll thank UNLV for that loss by the time this season is over. It put some things in perspective for the kids and fans.
First half was a lot like the UNLV game, and the second half started that way too. But once it finally hit them what they were potentially dealing with, they performed. Barnes is sort of the iconic figure for this team in that he seems to (but doesn’t really) disappear at times, and responds emphatically when the pressure is on. They seem to have some trouble finding motivation right now. Clean up some silly mistakes and keep them hungry. That was really the only difference in the second half.
It is amazing what a little effort can do for you.
The crazy thing is how hard it seems to keep them focused on what they need to do. I don’t think I have ever seen Williams as animated as he was on the sideline for this game.
Maybe he is thinking of changing his first name to GARY!
HTTE,
Orlando Johnson is one of the best guards in the country. UC Santa Barbara will be a tough out in the tourney if they can get past Casper Ware and Long Beach State.
Mike Moser of UNLV had 34 points 10 rebounds and shot 6 for 9 from downtown, and Ben Howland didn’t play him but he is starting one of the Wears?!!! Obviously, I don’t understand basketball.
There was far too much standing around on offense tonight also. Zeller was working hard to get good inside position after aggressively hustling down court. Then Marshall would not throw the ball to him.
Lord knows what would have happened had Barnes not taken over the offense for a while.
I forgive Strickland for that pass to Zeller. He was probably pretty oxygen deprived at that moment.
If they fall back to missing free throws again after making them tonight, Williams may just have a stroke on the side line.
“Um, guys? Wisky is one of the best teams in the country. And the Heels beat them at their game, at their tempo. You can bitch and moan and whine and complain that the Heels didn’t win by 20, and didn’t play perfect, but tonight was a big win against a big time opponent. Plus, IT’S NOVEMBER. I’d much rather peak in March/April than now.”
Best post all night, although I must say I wish we didn’t fall behind in the second half and kept our 10 point lead. Other than that very happy with the win, good setup for Sat.
Player of the game goes to Strickland, I love his game. He plays GREAT defense, plays to his strengths on the offensive end, plays within the system, and most of the time hits the open shot. Couldn’t be happier.
This team can beat Kentucky.
IF they do what they have shown the ability to do on a consistent basis.
On the other hand, this is College Basketball and anything can happen.
On a positive note, Brent won’t be calling the game.
And I thought that Bilas did a good job. But he doesn’t need to talk about Barnes doing everything off one dribble again or use the “Inspector Gadget” reference once more this year.
He was smiling and positive unlike the typical Durham product. And he was kind to not mention McDonalds All America numbers in any game he has commented on.
I hope you guys heard D Vitale’s comment on Duke: “The Duke players are not athletes. They are basketball players, but NOT ATHLETES.”
Good points rath. I’ll take the solid win.
Any word on Hairston?
the dookies werent athletes the year the won the Weakest Championship in the History of Sports, either.