UNC 64, Illinois 68
We couldn't quite pull it out. Actually, I'm very proud of how we came back after being down 12 during the 2nd half. We struggled from the outside and that was the big difference in the game. Illinois went 8-21 from 3 and we went 2-13. Even at this early stage, I think you could argue that UNC deserves to be in the top 25. It could have gone either way with the Illini tonight and we've yet to not have a very strong showing. The ACC season is going to be very interesting. Our big issue at this point is lack of a half court offense. We still struggle when good pressure is applied in the half court. We make up for it by forcing a lot of turnovers and creating fast break points, but I'm concerned that teams that control the ball better than Illinois did tonight could knock us out flat.
Ginyard had a great defensive night with 4 steals and shutting down Dee Brown in many situations. He also got going offensively with 14 points. David Noel had another solid game despite fouling out in the final minute. Bobby Frasor ran the floor well and Danny Green had another standout game. All of the freshmen show poise far beyong their years. I can see this team clicking once they get a few more games under their belt.
Next up is Kentucky on Saturday at Kentucky, which will be another tough test.
Key stats from the game:
Quentin Thomas sat out due to a stress fracture in his big toe
Hansbrough led all scorers (again) with 17 points (9-11 free throws)
UNC went 2-13 (15%) from the 3 point line
Danny Green had a game high 3 blocks
Marcus Ginyard had a game high 4 steals
Bobby Frasor played 34 minutes, mostly running the point, and had only 2 turnovers
Reyshawn Terry went 0-4 from the 3-point line and is 0-7 on the season from there
Quotes from Coach Williams during the post-game interview:
"I'm really really proud of my team."
"I told them they played harder and better than I coached."
"I just love how hard our kids played."
This is the most praise I've seen Coach Williams give his team this early in the year. He was rarely this positive after a game last year, but then again I suppose he expected more.
