UNC's Harrison Barnes (40) rises over N.C. State's Richard Howell (1) for two points in the first half. Barnes lead the Tar Heels with 25 points in their 84-64 victory over the Wolfpack. ROBERT WILLETT - rwillett@newsobserver.com
updated: 6:10 p.m.
CHAPEL HILL – North Carolina forward John Henson broke down N.C. State on Saturday – altering most Wolfpack shots attempted in the lane. Teammate Harrison Barnes, meanwhile, broke through – playing his most consistent gave of the season for a career-high 25 points.
Together, they led a 84-64 dismantling at the Smith Center that marked UNC’s ninth straight win in the rivalry series, and that State coach Sidney Lowe admitted was embarrassing.
The Wolfpack (12-8, 2-4 ACC), which trailed by double figures within the first three minutes, has now lost five of their last six games; the Tar Heels (15-5, 5-1) have won eight of their last nine.
“It’s a great feeling right now,’’ UNC coach Roy Williams said. “It’s fun to see Harrison with a smile on his face and break out and do the things he did, and John Henson, 16 points, 16 rebounds ….”
Not to mention seven blocks.
The duo was more aggressive from the outset. Henson (usually the jokester) said he was more serious to begin game after being told that someone had called UNC’s big men “soft” during a talk radio show. Barnes (usually ultra-focused) was looser, wanting to show that he could hit big shots before the final five minutes of games (as he had done vs. Virginia Tech, Clemson, and at Miami).
As a result, the Tar Heels got off to a quick, 13-2 start, led by nine points from Barnes and a dunk and aggressive defense from Henson.
State, playing without starting point guard Ryan Harrow (flu), missed 14 of their first 16 shots, and at one point early-on, had been out-rebounded 15-2.
By halftime, the only reason the Wolfpack didn’t trail by more than 34-21 was that UNC’s early sharpshooting had cooled off.
“Obviously, we dug a hole for ourselves in the first half, not rebounding the basketball and giving [UNC] second-chance opportunities,’’ Lowe said. “And then we didn’t score some easy baskets.”
UNC opened the second half with a 6-0 run, and although State freshman Lorenzo Brown scored seven consecutive points for the Pack to cut UNC’s lead to 43-32 with 15:49 left, the Pack got no closer.
Not with Henson using his length around the rim to dominate the boards, when he wasn’t swatting shots.
“He altered anything within about two or three feet,’’ UNC forward Tyler Zeller said. “We’d stay in front of them, and then let John go and try to block it. .... John just did a superb job controlling the area around the basket.”
And not with Barnes scoring the most field goals by a Tar Heel this year (10), while shooting better than 50 percent (10-for-16) for only the second time this season. His 3-pointer with 6:54 left made him only the second UNC player this season to hit the 20-point mark; when he checked out a few minutes later, he grinned widely as he high-fived his teammates.
“Coaches have been stressing to me to act like every shot you take is a last-second shot, because I haven’t really struggled in making those shots,’’ Barnes said. “… It’s nice to put together a full game.”
Brown led State, which shot 36.4 percent and got out-rebounded by 14, with 20 points.
Zeller chipped in 14, while Justin Knox had added for the Tar Heels.
“I thought this team was going to get better and better as the season progressed,’’ Williams said, “and I still believe that.”
Robbi Pickeral has covered ACC sports for The News & Observer since 2003. She can be reached at
Comments
How's all that...
Sun, 01/30/2011 - 19:22 — UNC1998just wait to the next four sound now?
Sincerely,
St. John's.
The good, the bad and the ugly
Sun, 01/30/2011 - 10:31 — SurferGood:
Bad
Ugly
Corrections
Sun, 01/30/2011 - 12:48 — JPDOhioDEFENSE: State runs a "Pylon" defense. This is where the players stand upright and remain still while the opponent runs around and through them, uncontested, toward the basket. This also applies in rebounding position, in lieu of blocking out which is not a part of State's system.
OFFENSE:
Thoughts
Mon, 01/31/2011 - 12:42 — SurferOkay, but I put the beard trimming in the bad list, because I thought Tracy might be going for the "Samson" affect.
You are spot on with the "pylon defense": when KM, from a standstill, drove left for a layup right by Lo Brown in the second half. Brown just kind of stood there, turning only his head as if to say, "where are you going?" out of mere curiosity. Tracy attemped to help, but was too late in getting there.
CJL- perhaps in high school he was used to 1 on 5 for the majority of the time? If that was the case, then when he sees only 3 guys guarding him now, maybe he feels like he really has an advantage. I think his teammates are now in shock if he were to throw the ball to them.
Sid's issues: Great guy who loves his university, but is an NBA coach. He depends more upon his player's skills than him teaching the fundamentals: rebounding, defense and team play.
Hilarious.....Particularly
Sun, 01/30/2011 - 13:54 — unc098Hilarious.....Particularly the Keystone cop offense, which was in evidence aplenty yesterday.
It was really nice for the
Sun, 01/30/2011 - 12:38 — unc098It was really nice for the FB team to be honored at half. Only a few short weeks to Spring practice. We are going to be good.
Lowe must go
Sun, 01/30/2011 - 11:30 — shharrisAfter 5 years of this I can't imigine anyone wanting Sidney to "have one more year". Lowe's teams have lost like this no matter who the players are or what the talent level is. Lowe must go. It can't be very hard for Yow to find someone better. steve'73
Correction
Mon, 01/31/2011 - 12:15 — SurferPerhaps you should have said, "can't imagine any State fans wanting Sid to have one more year". You would probably be right in that case, but for me, a five year contract renewal would be great, and if not that,well just let him at least finish out his existing contract. Could happen, but I doubt it, unless things turn around fairly quickly.
It's over
Sun, 01/30/2011 - 12:28 — JPDOhioSid's tenure at State is over. Nothing short of running the table the rest of the year will save his job, and we know that is not going to happen.
When all is said and done, a coach has only one job, that is to get the most out of his players. Whether they are freshmen or veterans, the goal is for each player to perform at the highest level his skill and experience will allow. Sid has failed miserably in this regard, not only this year, but for all except maybe a handful of players during his time coaching State.
It is painful to watch the implosion of the Sid experiment at NC State. He seems like a great guy with a love for NC State that is unmatched. But I can recall having to fire one of the nicest guys that ever worked for me a couple of years ago because he wasn't getting the job done and had failed at each of the multiple chances he was given to improve. It is however a business and the right business decision must be made.
Good to see you posting shharris
Sun, 01/30/2011 - 11:40 — gvillegatrI was looking at how many people follow ACCNow's twitter page and it is like 1800 +. Imagine how many more read ACCNow ? It is always good to see new folks giving their two cents no matter who you root for. Welcome, Steve !
Snowshoe
Sun, 01/30/2011 - 09:40 — YAR8packLooks like I couldn't have picked a better sports weekend to come to Snowshoe.
I told my fellow State alums to call me if by some strange, unexplainable miracle State beat unc. Obviously those guys and gals have some unused cellphone minutes.
By looking over some of the comments on this blog and ESPN, looks like NC State was deservedly chastised as not a rival to unc in b-ball. In order for a rivalry to be established, don't both teams have to trade wins? That ain't happenin'.
Also, does Len Elmore get a stipend from Twerb Sendek to make unfounded statements about his former relationship with NC State? That dude loves bringing stupid claims up. News flash Lenny, Twerb left of his own volition. And it's not like he's burning up the desert in Phoenix. Twerb's looking at his 3rd losing season. Also, the Pac-10 is nowhere even close to what the ACC is. Get off it.
The only thing ESPN did in the broadcast was show a national audience, if anyone could bear to watch, that NC State has no hustle or drive. Sad.
No hustle ....No
Sun, 01/30/2011 - 12:18 — unc098No hustle ....No drive...Indeed. Carolina played some pretty intense D that first 10 minutes, and they hit their shots. A complete turnaround from the past year and 1/2. I think the Pack was shell shocked and didn't adjust very well. I was also surprised that our bigs dominated the boards the way they did. I believe at halftime they had almost twice as many rebounds as State. That speaks to the No hustle......I actually thought State would come out and make a game of it the second half, but again UNC came out and scored the first 3 baskets and the Pack just folded. The telling part...NO drive....was when Tracy wrapped his arms around Zeller with 4 minutes left to exit the game in disgust with his 5th foul. Last years team was so much more motivated and played intense D every game. I am afraid Lowe is gone after this season.
Rebounding
Sun, 01/30/2011 - 12:24 — gvillegatrIt was like 15-2 at one point. Total domination.
The #'s do not lie
Sun, 01/30/2011 - 10:54 — gvillegatrFirst I want to say this is not spoken directly at yar8, but to all you wuffies who feel this way.
Lowe isn't even close to the coach Herb was. The comparison was more than justified bc Herb WAS run out of town. Don't even pretend for one second he wasn't. I always have this image ( along with many other fans ) of an Old Country European getting run out of town by others with pitch forks and shovels !
To say you'd rather continue losing with another coach than make the Dance and win a few games is simply a lie you keep trying to tell yourself.
It is so ironic no other coach has even come close to Herb since Valvano, yet most of you don't even want his name spoken. Doesn't it make you wonder how Sendek was able to compete in a clearly better conference at the time than at his present job ?
herb
Sun, 01/30/2011 - 13:06 — JPDOhioThat was five years ago and water under the bridge. We can split hairs over who was the better coach. It doesn't matter anymore.
What needs to be focused on is who can State attract after Sid inevitably resigns or is let go. Is an elite coach (cue the Rick Barnes watch) the right call or should State take a chance on an up and comer, like Archie Miller?
Whoever they bring in, the first order of business is to keep the current players in Raleigh. This team is better than it has shown. We see occasional sparks of what it can be, but they are few and far between. A good coach who can keep these guys and figure out a way to get the best that each and every one has to offer could turn this program around in a hurry.
The fact....
Sun, 01/30/2011 - 14:04 — chaboard......that Lowe hasn't worked out is pretty much independent of the fact that Sendek was given *ten* years and couldn't get much over the "respectable" bar. He was consistent at being respectable - but it was clear he was never going to build a top program - which should be the goal at NCSU. Rolling the dice on someone new was absolutely the right decision. Sadly, that roll failed and it's time to roll those dice again.
On the bright side for State fans, hiring Lowe didn't turn out as badly as UNC's last "hire a former player" move did. ;)
Doherty
Sun, 01/30/2011 - 14:23 — gvillegatrAt least he went Dancing. But, yes, to date Doherty had a worse year than Sid has, but you never hear the Tar Heel fan base say, "don't bring his name up !"
I 100 % get that you guys want to go further than the Sweet 16 and Dancing every year ( being a little snide), but don't treat Sendek as if he was less than Bob Wade. It is a very tired act.
No splitting hairs
Sun, 01/30/2011 - 13:46 — gvillegatrWhen it comes to Sendek and Lowe.
And FTR, I'd love to move on, but it gripes me to no end when state fans, brain washed by Joe Ovies and Adam Gold, say, "we can't say his name" as if the man was a worse coach than Bob Wade !! Bob Wade !! Just let that marinade for a little while and realize how good you had it.
History Lesson
Mon, 01/31/2011 - 10:19 — YAR8packThat "ish" with Twerb was 5 years ago. Twerb LEFT (emphasis on HE LEFT) because he knew folks in Raleigh didn't care for his "one game at a time" BS when it came to the Tobacco Road teams. No one expected Twerb's teams to beat Duke and unc every game, but no one thought it unreasonable to perhaps split the series at least once every two seasons, or, if one could entertain such a thought, perhaps beat either one of the boys in blue in the ACC Tournament championshp--or at least win the GD thing considering how many times State made it to the final--instead of being a Tobacco Road whipping boy. And yes, State is still the kid that gets beat up on now. But excuse us for wanting something a lil better for a once proud basketball institution that has the facilities, audience and finances to have something better.
FOR THE RECORD--State wasn't going anywhere worth a shite with Sendek at the helm. Oh, sure, State made it to the dance--but how much of that was during the Hodge years? And anyone with a basketball IQ could tell State wasn't going to vie for a National Championship or make it past the Sweet 16 with Twerb at the helm. And Twerb's general apathy towards having a shred of desire really isn't the most influential when it comes to getting folks fired up. At times, I really don't think he could have even looked less interested? At least when Bill Beli(cheat) looks disinterested he's all curmudgeony about it. I couldn't even imagine Ol' Roy squatting on the sidelines like he'd taken a few painkillers with a look of "Oh bother."
You see, for those of us who can remember, there was a time when Tobacco Road was a triumvirate of college basketball power. Now it's split into two groups, and not all of us like either one of those schools in blue.
Also, it's "marinate", not "marinade."
I love Sid. He's easy to talk with. A good recruiter. A fine ambassador of our school. But he's not getting it done. Now it's probably time to move on.
You don't get it
Mon, 01/31/2011 - 16:59 — gvillegatrYou DO NOT run somebody out of town for making a Sweet 16 and four other Dances when you have no plan in place for another coach. And don't give us this "he left town" shite so you can sleep better at night. He was run out of town bc he wasn't going to FF's and thus he was not deemed good enough to coach at state. Well, what do you think about your present coach ? ... Nevermind, I already know.
The argument
Mon, 01/31/2011 - 11:12 — Heels20isn't necessarily that Herb was the guy. It's that he was better than Sid. You don't run out one guy (Herb was fired by everyone but Lee Fowler) if you don't have someone as good or better to serve as the replacement. If Herb had stayed, fans would still complain about him, but the major issue is that in 2010-2011, State not only has trouble competing with their rivals, but they can't even hang with the FSUs, VTs and Clemsons in what has become one of the nation's more mediocre conferences.
That's Just A Silly Argument
Mon, 01/31/2011 - 19:35 — chaboardThere were two decisions to be made:
1) Could Herb take NCSU where they wanted to go?
2) If not, who should they replace him with to get there?
Screwing up the answer to #2 doesn't change the fact that the answer to #1 was a proven, demonstrated "not a chance". And you never know if you "have someone as good or better to serve as the replacement". Remember all the positive press around Gillen coming into UVA or Prosser coming into Wake? They both knew they had an upgrade going on...but in hindsight neither was an improvement on Jeff Jones or Dave Odom. Heck, even Doherty at UNC was seen at hiring time - and even a year later as NCOY - as a good "get"....but we know how that turned out.
"Never know"
Mon, 01/31/2011 - 20:17 — Heels20Clearly you don't know how the system works when you have a good AD. I guarantee you that Debbie Yow is making daily phone calls on trying to find who to replace Sid with. Fowler backed Herb 100% despite the fact that hardly any of the fan base backed him at all. That's a big mistake, and inexcusable for an AD at a school that has unrealistic expectations for basketball.
Sidney Lowe only looked like a good hire to some NC State fans. Wolfpackers viewed him as one of their own and a guy with NBA experience. Unfortunately, he had no success as an NBA head coach and no experience as a college coach. Those on the outside saw right through that hire.
So to answer your first question: No, Herb wasn't going to take you to a national title. But you'd be crazy to have thought that Sid had a better shot...
And Clearly You Missed The Points
Mon, 01/31/2011 - 21:42 — chaboardClearly you don't know how the system works when you have a good AD. I guarantee you that Debbie Yow is making daily phone calls on trying to find who to replace Sid with.
And? Sometimes you make all those phone calls and still crap out. Again, you need look no further than your own school's experience a few years ago with Matt Doherty. He had personal referrals from Dean Smith and Roy Williams and it guaranteed exactly....nothing.
So to answer your first question: No, Herb wasn't going to take you to a national title. But you'd be crazy to have thought that Sid had a better shot...
Well neither of them was gonna take me to a national title - I'm a Wake Forest fan.
I think pretty much everyone - supporters AND dissenters - knew at the time that Lowe was a roll of the dice. A lot of us - and this includes me - thought it was a pick with a low probability of success - I mean the guy couldn't win in the NBA with Christian Laettner as his domninat big man. (That's a joke, btw).
But a non-zero probability roll of the dice IS a better shot than an option pretty much proven to be zero probability.
Hiring Lowe was a mistake in hindsight that was foreseeable to some at the time. NOT firing Sendek after year four and instead letting him be mediocre for ten years was a much bigger mistake. Other than Bill Gibson at UVa in the 60's (when they didn't give a damn about basketball) no ACC team has ever given ten years to a coach and gotten so little achievement in return. (Ok, maybe Cliff Ellis - but even he had a regular season title, a half dozen solid NBA-starter-caliber recruits and matched Herb's one Sweet 16. And he got canned after year ten too.)
...
Mon, 01/31/2011 - 23:03 — Heels20"And? Sometimes you make all those phone calls and still crap out. Again, you need look no further than your own school's experience a few years ago with Matt Doherty. He had personal referrals from Dean Smith and Roy Williams and it guaranteed exactly....nothing."
The point of my comment was that Fowler was totally unprepared, with no idea of a probable hire under the likely scenario that Herb would be run out by a fan base that hated him. Not really sure what you're trying to say with Doherty. That's pretty irrelevant to my argument.
"But a non-zero probability roll of the dice IS a better shot than an option pretty much proven to be zero probability."
Yes, but you were also giving up a guy who had made it to five straight tournaments for a totally unproven coach who was "ready to have fun." It was a hire made totally out of desperation after swing-and-miss-swing-and-miss-swing-and-miss-swing-and miss due to no preparation on Fowler's part.
State probably should've fired Sendek after year 4 when that recruiting class proved to be a huge bust, but how can you say that hiring Lowe wasn't as big of a mistake? In five of the next six years, Sendek would take that program to five NCAA tournaments, including four wins over UNC and two wins over Dook (Lowe has only as many wins against the Devils and only a lone win against the Heels). As unattractive as the job was five years ago, it's even less attractive now.
TOO BAD
Mon, 01/31/2011 - 10:41 — JPDOhioThere isn't some way Sid could resign as head coach and stay with the school in a different capacity with the athletic program. He is a great ambassador with an undying love for the school. Under the circumstances though, it probably is impossible for him to stay.
i"m lucky
Sun, 01/30/2011 - 14:08 — JPDOhioI don't have to listen to that up here, which is why it is easy for me to let it go.
I will say this though. Even conceding that Herb may be a better coach than Sid, Herb was not going to take State to a level competitive with Duke and UNC. If you think it is impossible for State to achieve that level, Herb is fine. However, if you want to actually be competitive in the Triangle, you need better.
In other words, State needs to get this next hire right.
Where are the
Sun, 01/30/2011 - 07:06 — gvillegatrfollow up blogs on Barnes and/or Henson ? Maybe something interesting Coach Williams or Coach Lowe had to say ? UNC gets about the most generic/basic blogging on this site of the three schools UNLESS it is about Agent/School Gate.
Glad to get the win
Sat, 01/29/2011 - 19:48 — Heels20I wish/feel we could be 6-0, but a 5-1 start is good enough and much better than our 5-11 embarrassment last season. What I loved most about this game was seeing the hustle of our team for most of the game. It was an ugly game at times, but I feel like we won nearly every 50-50 opportunity, and our guys were having fun.
Henson is my player of the game. This is probably the most toughness I've seen out of him all year, and he's going to be a very special player if he can bring that kind of intensity every game.
Barnes is going to light up the headlines, and for good reason. He hit some big shots for us and gave us the early lead that allowed our guys to play loose. His shot selection still bothers me and he definitely has a lot to learn, but this game could be huge for his confidence, and I hope he can build off of this monster performance.
Honestly, to all the Pack fans still defending Lowe, I don't even know what to say now. He seems like a great guy, but the man flat out cannot motivate. You can recruit a roster of 5-star players, but if they don't want to play team ball, much less give their best effort, then you're going to lose to opponents who want to win more. I know that State's big recruits are young, but can you name anyone other than Tracy Smith who has steadily improved throughout his career and reached his potential? I surely can't.
Good win today, and hopefully we'll be used to that by the end of the season.
Totally agree with your
Sat, 01/29/2011 - 20:08 — unc098Totally agree with your nomination of Henson as player of the game. 16 points, 16 rebounds, and 7 blocked shots. That is a monster performance. It does bode well for the remainder of the season. I thought Z and Knox played well most of the time. Knox had some very lazy passes but he is really developing a nice shot. I had no problem with him taking that outside shot. It looked like it was going in. Strickland. HUmmmm. At times great and others a disaster waiting to happen.
Overall excellent defense.
Defense
Sat, 01/29/2011 - 21:02 — Heels20Defense has taken us a long way this season. Our free throw and perimeter shooting has fallen well short of a typical Tar Heel basketball team, but defense has made up for it to a certain extent. If we can continue to play with this kind of intensity on the defensive side of the ball, we will be a scary team once we can consistently get the ball in the basket on offense.
Wow!!! I just got home from
Sat, 01/29/2011 - 18:27 — unc098Wow!!!
I just got home from the Dean Dome. Heels just flat dominated this game. HB and JH finally looking like their press clippings. Harrison was comfortable from the get go. Some pretty sloppy play from both teams in the first half. I was worried that the lead would evaporate instantly the second half, but they came out strong.
Defensively: The best performance of the season. State never got into any rhythm and I was surprised by our domination on the boards. Very surprised. The Pack looked listless and flat the entire game. I was surprised by Tracy's deliberate 5th foul with 4 something left. The dude just didn't want to be in there.
I finally see what you Pack posters have been talking about. This just doesn't look good for the remainder of the season. I thought Sid's starting five was a good move but there was no fire in the belly.
Now its gut check time with next weeks schedule being what it is. We will see how improved the Heels really are.
Congrats
Sun, 01/30/2011 - 12:56 — JPDOhioI thought about you as the game went on. Glad getting those tix worked out so well for you.
I have to congratulate UNC for coming out and playing with energy and confidence, which was the exact opposite of the Pack. The Tar Heels still have issues that are likely to be exposed against better teams, but that can be said about all but a handful of teams throughout the country. If Barnes continues his current rate of improvement and Henson keeps doing what he did yesterday, the supporting cast is good enough to make some noise this year.
It won't be easy, but you guys definitely have something to look forward to.
Thanks JDP. It was a lot of
Sun, 01/30/2011 - 14:12 — unc098Thanks JDP. It was a lot of fun to sit in mid lower level seats. A whole different experience from the interstellar portion of the Dean Dome. Interestingly the crowd was somewhat subdued the whole afternoon. I guess they really felt like the game was over after the first 10 minutes, which turn out to be correct. When I saw Sid come onto the court with that red jacket I knew you folks were in trouble. Its fun to see the things one normally doesn't see like the very affable exchanges between Roy and Monte and the rest of the Pack coaches before the game. They seemed very warm and friendly with each other.
Barnes looked so comfortable from the get go and Henson was very aggressive. They both played a complete game and we are beginning to see the blossoming of all this talent. As for the supporting cast. A great TEAM defensive effort playing through screens and taking away the outside shot as well as playing great interior defense. Tracy had to carry the load all day and he really became frustrated. He is a great player. Twice I saw what you were saying about Leslie. At one point he was standing stock still just left of the key and looked completely clueless as to what to do. He did however decide to shoot it and made the jumper.
We are still weak at the point. Drew played good defense but horribly on offense, except for one play where he went to the basket did this incredible spin move for the layup. Marshall played well as far as directing traffic but these guys need to start making outside shots.
Strickland still seems out of control and his decisions on offense are not always great. He still prefers the one on three fast break approach. Ironically he can usually get to the basket but less than 50% of the time fails to score. His FT shooting is abysmal. He is getting better however.
To sum it up it is defensive effort that is winning games for the Heels. I hope they continue to get better in that department. They going to need it this coming two weeks.
Final thoughts
Sat, 01/29/2011 - 17:19 — gvillegatrImpressive 2nd half. Period. UNC won this game on the boards and with pure desire. Oh yea, HB had something to do with it too ! John Henson was just awesome as well. His best game as a Tar Heel. JH simply alters every shot an opponent puts up.
Can't believe Scott Wood was so non existent. The guy had two FT's. Wow. Very impressed with LOrenzo Brown. Th guy knew what to do with the ball when he had it. CJL had a decent day, but he looked plain silly on a lot of plays too.
Like Toots said earlier, here comes BC and a handful of worthy opponents like it or not. I like it.
Impressive
Sat, 01/29/2011 - 17:02 — gvillegatrBrown has impressed me today. 3rd string PG ? No sir.
Tough call
Sat, 01/29/2011 - 17:01 — gvillegatrBut the right call on Javi. Inadvertent or reactionary or on purpose he popped Henson with the elbow.
Ok
Sat, 01/29/2011 - 16:42 — gvillegatrSomeone who knows how to get a hold of ESPN; please tell them to QUIT showing those two HOT college blinds in the student section. My wife is watchin' !!
Wow !!
Sat, 01/29/2011 - 16:29 — gvillegatrHenson looked like Ra Wallace on that baseline pivot dunk !! Amazing
Thanks to Carolina, this
Sat, 01/29/2011 - 16:18 — mad_maxThanks to Carolina, this isn't a repeat of the 2008 game. Not yet at least...
train wreck
Sat, 01/29/2011 - 16:14 — JPDOhioThere is no excusing or explaining State's performance in the first half.
If I were a UNC fan, I would not feel good about only having a 13 point lead at halftime and not because the Pack is likely to come back.
I believe
Sat, 01/29/2011 - 19:08 — Shoreman67that the TV announcers said it best; "It doesn't take talent to hustle and play with heart and determination". They just pounded the crap out of us on the boards and outhustled us the whole game. I was really surprised that we got pushed around again.
Congrats to Lo Brown; he played a great game. CJL played well at times. On their side, I have always liked Henson and I thought he was just awseome today.
Lo and CJL
Sun, 01/30/2011 - 14:27 — JPDOhioGood to see Lo Brown break out of his slump. He obviously decided enough was enough and he was going to take matters into his own hands. Most impressive was only 2 turnovers in 31 minutes. TO's have been a problem for him, so this was also a very positive sign.
I also think CJ Williams deserves some props. His numbers weren't as impressive as some others, but he did bring some of what very little energy we saw out of the Pack. Good to see Javi contribute as well. On the flip side, Richard Howell is an enigma to me. He as fallen off the cliff the last two games, right after having a career game. I just don't get how such a powerful looking athlete with good skills can be so lacking in confidence and just disappear.
Regarding CJL, I just can't get excited about him. His self-described role is to bring energy, yet the only time we see that energy is when there is a chance for a highlight reel moment. Set him up for an uncontested slam, CJ is there. Hang back for a shot blocking opportunity, CJ is all over that. But expend some energy defending someone, forget about it. Look for a teammate when under pressure with the ball, better to throw up a prayer to pad the personal statistics. The conventional wisdom says you have to use a player with the freakish talents he possesses. My out-of-the-box thinking is that a me-first player who is long on talent and woefully short on understanding or applying basketball fundamental is a liability, not an asset. His lack of hustle, except for highlight film opportunities, irks me too.
My favorite announcer comment? Mike Patrick comparing CJL to Julius Irving when Leslie was winding up for a roundhouse dunk that never happened because he was fouled. Seriously? It's no wonder the kids head is as big as it is.
Not certain
Sat, 01/29/2011 - 16:12 — gvillegatrbc we had to endure a myriad of BE games and look-ins before ESPN decided we could watch this game, but I'd say from the 1615 mark these were the worse two teams in conference ... state clearly being the lesser.
I do wonder if states poor play has ultimately led to UNC's piss poor play too ? UNC became so lax around the ten minute mark.
one things for sure
Sat, 01/29/2011 - 17:46 — shharrisState is clearly the lesser and except for Wake, I can't think of who's worse. I still believe State has the talent to be in the four or five in the ACC. I just keep saying, "It's Sydney." Lowe has to go. steve73
hey steve
Sat, 01/29/2011 - 23:04 — JPDOhioYou are correct, sir.