UNC 42, NC State 34 (HALFTIME)
Carolina went on a 10-2 run to close out the first half behind Wes Miller's back-to-back three pointers. Our defensive effort wasn't spectacular, but at around the 9 minute mark we turned it up and got a couple of steals which led to easy buckets. One big concern is State outrebounding us 13 to 11. We haven't done a good job boxing out. Fortunately, State has 10 turnovers to our 5, which has helped even things out. The State players looked fatigued at the close of the half so let's hope we run them out of the gym in the second half.
Costner has 16 points for State and if we could shut him down in the second half, we'll be in good shape. He's been unstoppable so far. On our end, Brandan Wright has been unstoppable, scoring 14 points on 6-7 shooting. He even made both of his free throw attempts! The whole team is shooting good at 61%.
One other note: before the game Ty Lawson said he felt a slight pop in his groin area. Let's hope it is nothing serious. It doesn't seem to have affected him in the first half.
First half notes:1:26. 40-32. Miller for another 3!!
2:00. 37-32. Miller for 3!
3:11. 32-32. State is out rebounding us (13 to 10) which isn't a good sign. They've got 5 offensive rebounds so far which has led to some easy buckets.
7:20. 23-25. Refs missed an obvious double-dribble on Costner. We can't stop Costner so far!
8:40. 23-21. We didn't have much defensive intensity early, but after notching it up, we got 2 steals and got the lead again.
10:40. 17-18. 4 turnovers already by the Heels. We don't look very crisp on the offensive end.
12:57. 12-18. Jeez someone stop Costner please. He has 10 points already.
13:10. 12-16. We aren't getting rebounds. One and done most of the time.
15:48. 8-9. State making their early shots. 3 three pointers already.
18:36. 6-3. Looking good early. Wright and Hansbrough have already scored.
