UNC 73, BYU 63
Recap |
BoxscoreIn another game that played much closer than the final score indicates, UNC had its hands full with the inside-outside combination of Plaisted (24 pts, 17 rebs) and Tavernari (6 three pointers). The big news in this game was that Ty Lawson went to the bench after just two minutes into the first half with a rolled ankle. In his own words, "I don't know how long I'll be out." Eck! Bobby Frasor (and Quentin to a lesser degree) did an ok job filling in, but it isn't the same as with Ty in the game.
Much of the first half went back and forth. We couldn't stop Tavernari who had 5 of his 6 threes in the first half. Overall I thought we played pretty well in the first half. Defensive intensity was good (I'd like to highlight Alex Stephenson who did a great job) and rebounding was good. We had a 10 point lead, but then went 4 minutes without a point to let BYU back in the game. Our three point shooting was horrendous (0-6 in the first half). Even with BYU playing really well, if it wasn't for a late Tavernari three to close the half, we would have had a double digit lead going into halftime.
If we looked pretty good in the first half, we looked like total crap to start the second half. BYU took the lead just 4 minutes into the second half. I thought: Here we go again! This was when it really hurt not having Ty in the game to calm us down.
We scrapped back and shut BYU down for 6 minutes! Despite having an off night, Wayne hit another huge clutch three pointer (from beyond NBA range!) that sealed it for us.
Tyler had a strong game scoring 21 points and regaining his free throw form going 9-9 from the line. Danny Green didn't have a great night shooting (4-11 from the field), but scored 14 and made some crucial plays.
The Tar Heels have really shown me something over the last few games. We've taken the best punch from a couple of really good teams and not backed down.
Next up UNC visits Ohio State and Kentucky. We need Ty back!!
