UNC 103, Clemson 93
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Recap |
Game FlowWhat a game! After an uninspired first half, the Tar Heels came roaring back to cut an 11 point deficit to 0 in the final minutes of the second half. I thought for sure we had lost this one after the consecutive layups Clemson was able to score by simply penetrating to the basket. Our defense, especially in the first half was weak. We couldn't get into a rhythm on offense (again). But despite being down 15 in the second half, we showed a lot of character to get the game into overtime, not once but twice, before securing the win at home (I don't think I could have swallowed another home loss). That means Carolina extended its home win streak against Clemson to 53-0!
This was the second straight game Ty Lawson sat out due to an injured ankle. It goes without saying that we would have done better with him in the game, but Quentin Thomas didn't do a bad job. In fact I'd call it a solid performance with 9 assists and 5 turnovers. He made a clutch layup with 20 seconds left in the second half to tie the game, and he later nailed two critical free throws.
The big performance of this game goes to Tyler Hansbrough (surprise). He scored 39 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in 47 minutes. He's picking up the slack while Ty is out. Both Danny Green and Wayne Ellington bounced back from their disappointing performances against Duke to go a combined 14-34 from the floor including 7-14 from three point range. Danny made two huge 3s in the final two minutes of regulation.
The first matchup between these teams went to overtime with the score tied 81-81. This time the score was tied at 82 all before the first overtime. While Clemson hung tough during the first OT, foul trouble and fatigue got the better of them. UNC was 31-36 from the line while Clemson was a measly 1-7! They wanted to play rough and foul trouble was the result. We nailed so many free throws as the clock wound down, it was the difference in the game.
Next up is Virginia on Tuesday. Our guys are tired for sure. Hansbrough was quoted after the game saying he was drained. He played all but 3 minutes of a 2OT game so he should be! Wayne played the same amount. After saying this was one of his proudest moments as a coach, I imagine Roy will take it easy on them today at practice.
