Clemson 70, UNC 94
Boxscore |
RecapIf you would have told me that this game would be
statistically over with more than six minutes remaining, I wouldn't have believed it. Last year we played Clemson three times and they were all nail-biters.
The first ten minutes of the game Clemson got the better of us. Their pressure got to us, surprisingly. Over the past couple of years, we don't do well in the first 10 minutes of a game. It takes the team a while to get going for some reason. Tonight was no different. But after we turned it on, we REALLY turned it on. Wayne Ellington followed up his 7-3s in the second half against Miami to have an excellent all-around game. I know I've been critical of Wayne over his career, but he has definitely improved his overall game. He's a much more complete player. And when he is hitting his jumper, he is a force. He scored a game high 25 points a made a career high 7 assists!
Speaking of complete players, is there any doubt that Danny Green is UNC's most complete player and best NBA prospect? He continues to shine even though he isn't the focus of the offense. He didn't have a great night shooting, but he had 5 rebounds, 3 blocks, 3 steals, 3 assists and 7 points. It annoys me when all the TV commentators talk about how if Marcus Ginyard was back he'd be starting and Danny would be the best 6th man in the country (again). I beg to differ. There is no way Danny would/should not be in the starting lineup.
Tyler Hansbrough had a tough night but scored 20 points. He almost had a tooth knocked out and got hit to the floor on several occasions without a foul being called. The refs were pretty bad tonight when it comes to Tyler. Some of the replays were hard to watch. Getting demolished down low and no foul call. You could tell Tyler was getting pissed too. He was showing uncharacteristic hand-clapping and fist pumping when he finally got a call or two. And Tyler is probably the only player in the country that can have a "tough night" and still come away with 20 points and 10 rebounds!
Ty Lawson had a really nice game. He scored 16 points, collected 3 steals, and dished out 7 assists on only 2 turnovers. Ty has become a very solid shooter. He can nail a three ball if left open.
Overall I'm very happy with this performance. Sure we extended our streak at home against Clemson to 54-0, but more than that, we beat a very good team despite them coming out with a lot of intensity and shooting the ball well. A combination of our solid defense and a cold streak in the second half did Clemson in.
We have a week off before our
next game against a 15-3 FSU team. They aren't going to be a push over! But then again, who is in the ACC?
