UNC 40, Illinois 27 (HALF-TIME)
Carolina needs to put together two halves to win the game and they just put on a spectacular first half. McCants has stepped up and played huge on both ends of the court. Sean May is having a strong game down low. Our 3-point shooting has been great. And we are even playing zone defense really well to preserve Felton. I think Illinois final possession of the half really epitomized the half. Illinois wanted to hold the ball to the final seconds and ended up not getting a shot off.
On the negative side, we haven't been good on the defensive boards. We have to get more rebounds on missed Illinois shots. We've also had some very sloppy passes. They have to be more crisp against this team. Lastly, Jackie's overall play has been dismal. Fumbled the ball a couple of times and got 3 fouls in the first half (for the second straight game).
We have a 13 point lead, but we can't expect the Illinois shooting slump to continue (it is their worst shooting half all season). They are going to make a run no doubt. They can make up 13 points in no time. We have to continue to apply the pressure. If Illinois can come back from a 13 point deficit at the half to beat UNC in the championship game, they deserve it. We have to keep the pressure on and keep doing what we are doing.
My heart is pumping!
