CHAPEL HILL — Through six ACC games, North Carolina has been inconsistent when it comes to shooting, aggressiveness, turnovers and effort.
But one ugly constant reared its head, again, during the Tar Heels' 75-60 loss to Virginia on Sunday: their inability to slow opposing guards.
Cavs sophomore Sylven Landesberg joined what it quickly becoming an "I-lit-up-Carolina" club, scoring 29 points on 11-for-18 shooting. He joins five other perimeter starters in the league who have scored at least 19 against UNC this season: Virginia Tech's Malcolm Delaney (26 points), Georgia Tech's Iman Shumpert (30), Clemson's Demontez Stitt (20), Wake Forest's Ishmael Smith (20) and N.C. State's Javi Gonzalez (19).
As a result, the Tar Heels (13-8) fell to 2-4 in the ACC, a precarious position when it comes to postseason hopes, what with 10 conference games - including six on the road -- left.
Meanwhile, it marked Virginia's first win at the Smith Center since Jan. 12, 2002.
UNC trailed from the outset, as it committed three turnovers in its first six possessions, made only 5 of their 12 first half free throw attempts, and saw starting forward Ed Davis attempt only two shots, and miss both of them (while also missing 4 of 6 free throws). It never got much better.
The only reason the Tar Heels trailed only 35-30 at halftime was junior Will Graves, who had 14 first half points, and was 4-for-6 from behind the 3-point line.
But none of that could negate Landesberg, who had 16 points by halftime by consistently blowing by and shooting over over Graves, then freshman John Henson, then senior Marcus Ginyard.
After Davis scored on a dunk to open the second half and cut the Cavs' lead to 35-32, Virginia sprinted to an 18-3 run, holding the Tar Heels without a field goal for eight minutes. Landesberg scored only three points, on a three-point play, during his team's breakaway, but after UNC freshman Travis Wear scored on a putback to cut the Cavs' advantage to 53-37, Landesberg bookenended a Dexter Strickland jumper with two free throws, and a field goal.
UNC freshman Leslie McDonald also took a turn guarding him. But in the end, Landesberg scored 13 of his points in the second half, helping thwart any serious UNC comeback attempt, before Carolina's walk-ons entered the game with 1:04 left.
Graves and Larry Drew II led the Tar Heels with 15 points apiece. Guard Sammy Zeglinski added 17 points for the Cavs.





Robbi Pickeral has covered ACC sports for The News & Observer since 2003. She can be reached at

Comments
HEADS--UP!!!!
Tue, 02/02/2010 - 14:28 — bluecat69bluecat69I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET ON THIS SITE BEGINNING THUR.--- MON. I WILL BE IN OXFORD, ENGLAND TO RECEIVE AN AWARD AS BEST OVERALL ROADS SCHOLAR OF THE DECK--AID, ALL I WISH FOR , IS THAT SOME WAY THE HOLES AND THE COW COLLEGE CAN SOMEWAY MANAGE TO GET A WIN, I KNOW I WILL BE MISSED, GO , DUKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Also, Surfer alluded to it,
Tue, 02/02/2010 - 00:17 — unc098Also, Surfer alluded to it, DEFENSE!!! and I have been saying it for two weeks. Roy, start with the basics and get back to the fundamentals. The third string has it down...Score off transition and turnovers.... it all starts there. Roy and K have been HOF because that is their trademark.....
? of the day
Tue, 02/02/2010 - 12:14 — bluecat69bluecat69do any of u baby-blue whiners know what the following schools have in common, n. iowa, uab, cornell,siena,st. marys, utep, and george mason , have in common????, go no. 10 DUKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
UNC
Mon, 02/01/2010 - 20:37 — gvillegatrI feel like I got a little more bball knowledge than Coach Willimas thinks ... (his pinky finger).
It is time to start Drew II and Strickland in the back court (lots of us have been saying this). Will Graves at the three. Thompson and Davis at the 4 and 5 respectively. Bring the Wears and Henson off the bench and MAYBE Ginyard in some spot situations. Also, bring in McDonald for some spot minutes as well. I can't think of anyone else at the moment.
Ginyard, the poor soul, is lost and confused b/c he is still hurt. Lets also remember that he has never been the Heels #1 option to score either. He is supposed to be a great defensive stopper, but with one of his wheels down, he can't help the Heels at the moment.
Davis could probably stand to get a little more healthy as well as he didn't appear to be himself last evening. UNC also needs to get Zeller back.
Drew II also needs to take the reigns and be more consistent. I loved his abiltity last evening shooting, just learn to control the ball a little more.
I agree 100%
Mon, 02/01/2010 - 22:00 — Heels20Not a flaw in that post.
Oops What about
Mon, 02/01/2010 - 22:18 — unc098Oops
What about Ginyard?.... I think he just became the captain of the "blue team" . To be fair his injuries have diminished his ability in the past few years. But Roy needs to sit that guy down. Let him come off the bench and provide some bursts of defensive intensity. To expect him to provide offense and be able to react defensively is doing a disservice to him and the team...and he should never handle the ball.
I agree with that also
Mon, 02/01/2010 - 22:51 — Heels20But Gatr covered it in giving Strickland the starting spot at 2.
Oh yeah ...They need to
Mon, 02/01/2010 - 23:26 — unc098Oh yeah ...They need to accept defensive responsibilities.....I think we have it figured out..no? LOL. Despite Mambys ( aka "beware the cobra") assessment I have "blind" faith that this will work out eventually. OK!!!GO HEELS..Ha!I love it when BC has been put to bed....
yep. I like it when the two
Mon, 02/01/2010 - 23:19 — unc098yep. I like it when the two are in together, now if they could only work in tandem....Thats Roys job. Could be a great combo actually. They both play their natural positions. Particularly deadly since Strickland is a finisher. Drew needs to accept that. They both need to put their heads together and learn how to run a fast break.
Absolutely
Mon, 02/01/2010 - 23:42 — Heels20As I've been saying all along, the season is not over. The pieces are there, but they're just tough to put together. The only possible reason I can think of for keeping Strickland out of the starting line-up is so that he can continue to learn to run the point on his own, since no one else on the team other than Larry is capable of doing that. Kendall Marshall will come soon enough, is Ginyard is killing us right now with all the minutes he is eating up. But hey, I trust Roy's judgment. We'll see where we are come March.
I actually think D2 will be
Mon, 02/01/2010 - 23:57 — unc098I actually think D2 will be ok...its just going to take longer than any of us can tolerate. I say start Strickland over Ginyard and let Macdonald sub in. Ginyard or even Watts can back up as well. Ginyard only in a defensive situation. Yes, Ginyard and Thompson are killing us with all the minutes they are eating up. They are a disaster. They need to get out of the way.....
What are the chances...
Tue, 02/02/2010 - 00:15 — Heels20...of Watts transferring? It's obvious that he's been knocked out of the rotation, but outside of injuries, I thought he had proven to be as valuable as McDonald and Ginyard at times.
Maybe Roy is just looking for a scholarship to open up for Adonis Thomas...
Interesting
Tue, 02/02/2010 - 00:25 — unc098Interesting thought...remember that Watts is injured as well. He certainly seemed to be in good graces there for a while. I have always thought that he was a pretty solid kid. Not spectacular but steady. I say bring back the "blue team" and let them come in like terriers and wreck havoc. It has always worked. Builds team unity (everyone gets to play) and adds excitement. The crowd loves it ....gives a rest to the weary and disrupts the opposing teams concentration. It really doesn't fit into Roy's scheme but it might work....
Throw in the blue team?
Tue, 02/02/2010 - 00:32 — Heels20Might as well. The way things are going, it definitely couldn't hurt.
At this point there is
Tue, 02/02/2010 - 00:46 — unc098At this point there is NOTHING to lose. If I were Roy I would pull out the stops and think outside the box
well
Tue, 02/02/2010 - 00:20 — gvillegatrif Adonis Thomas can play anything like Adonis Jordan did for Coach Williams at KU, i'd be willing to cut ties with anyone on the team! lol.
One thing we can count on,
Tue, 02/02/2010 - 00:28 — unc098One thing we can count on, Roy is out there on the recruiting trail rustling up a solution to this disaster.
almost 100% correct
Tue, 02/02/2010 - 00:13 — gvillegatrwhen you say D2 will be ok, its just going to take longer than we can tolerate.
I'll take it all the way and say UNC basketball is going to be ok ... its just going to take longer than any of us can tolerate!
we're spoiled. the best program CONSISTENTLY for the last 35 yrs and IMO the best program EVER. Not a scratch on the program with exceptions to Haktar Ndiaye. plain and simple.
I do not know how state fans do it everyday. cursed, i tell ya.
Installment Plan
Tue, 02/02/2010 - 01:46 — JPDOhioThis year, you guys are making the second installment on the payment plan for last year's National Championship. The first installment was the beatdown Kansas applied two years ago, where UNC learned not to take anything for granted. This year, the players that mostly watched last year's successful run just weren't prepared to handle the pressure of defending a national championship.
That's not a criticism, but a fact that reflects the differential in experience between last year and this year. The real question is whether there will be a third installment coming due next year.
JPD
Tue, 02/02/2010 - 12:18 — unc098That is logical and correct. It is also logical to think that monkey will be off this teams back next year. Hopefully. With the infusion of more players and the "freshman" adjusted to college life they can't help but be better. I think we are two years away from really contending again. We all have to remember that we had the BB equivalent of Tim Tebow for the past 4 years.
Also remember...
Tue, 02/02/2010 - 15:21 — Heels20...the struggles of the 03-04 team. I think they won 2 road games in the ACC? If I remember correctly, those guys did alright in 2005. I'm not saying the same thing will happen because we won't be returning 5 starters next year and we don't have a Sean May on this basketball team. At the same time, we have more depth and there is no telling how much some of these guys will improve throughout the rest of this season and through this off-season.
Gotta remember, though: We're in the present, so let's see if we can get it together and make something happen in March 2010.
I agree with the D2 and
Mon, 02/01/2010 - 21:23 — unc098I agree with the D2 and Strickland combo. I have been a Graves fan all season just because of his heart. The dude plays a lot bigger then he is and his desire to win is unmatched on the team. Davis is a must but I disagree about Thompson. I say make that more of a rotation with Henson and Wears. I think the youngsters can contribute more collectively then Thompson playing 28 minutes. Thompson obviously has peaked and sliding down the hill as far as what he is willing to learn and take on from a leadership and playing role. Every time I see his fade away shot from 5 feet away it makes me sick. He does make them, but so much for offensive rebounding position and put backs. Plus it has SOFT written all over it...
g-aligator!!!
Mon, 02/01/2010 - 20:49 — bluecat69bluecat69u need to getsome professional help, ok, go duke!!!!!
a one question test
Mon, 02/01/2010 - 15:42 — unc098ok bratcat
where is Coastal Carolina? You have 1 minute....tick tock.... Can't look it up on the computer.
I will give you a clue. Its on the coast somewhere.
bratcat you have your head up.....
Mon, 02/01/2010 - 11:52 — unc098And Duke is doing so Well?????? Talk about overrated!!!! That weasel you call a coach is as clueless as anyone. And this was supposed to be the year.... I gotta feeling your wasting your time on this affiliation. (look it up) Who is you next team going to be? St. Marys.
hole98!!
Mon, 02/01/2010 - 17:04 — bluecat69bluecat69here are 2 words that describe hole-98, slink and siant, look it up, ok, go duke!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HOLE-98
Mon, 02/01/2010 - 14:19 — bluecat69bluecat69U TALK ABOUT CLUELESS, DID U SEE THE GAME LAST NIGHT? I THOUGHT OL ROY LOOKED RATHER DEJECTED, HOW ABOUT THAT TIE OVER HIS HEAD! CAN U SAYDEAN OR MATT?? SIENA . OK GO DUKE!!!!!!!!!
Unlikely
Mon, 02/01/2010 - 12:57 — SurferRemember, bluegnat has no idea where St. Mary's is located.
SUFER-GIRL!!!!
Mon, 02/01/2010 - 14:21 — bluecat69bluecat69HOW ABOUT COASTAL CARAWHINA, THEY GOT MORE VOTES THAN THE BIG BABY BLUE. OK, GO DUKE!!!!
Oops
Mon, 02/01/2010 - 15:09 — SurferSorry, my bad.
Okay, add Coastal Carolina to bluegnat's list of places he desires to learn where they reside (are located).
That and the CAPS LOCK key, he must have hit that by accident.
obviously...
Mon, 02/01/2010 - 10:54 — izzykareemOl Roy had his team up for NCSU and it was their superbowl...hahaha
beating NCCU doesn't really stir the pot but another loss, and a teary-eyed Roy are like chocolate mousse dessert delivered to your house.
izzycream!!!
Mon, 02/01/2010 - 11:09 — bluecat69bluecat69very well put!!go duke!!!!!!!!
Ok, I can put up with
Mon, 02/01/2010 - 10:30 — unc098Ok, I can put up with inexperience, a coach who is challenged by this group, injuries, a crappy season, poor shooting etc etc...... but what I really hate is lack of desire and a pig headed obstinence to learn from your mistakes. After watching Hansbrough work like a madman to continue to improve its hard to watch this bunch wander around the desert clueless.....Graves exempt. The dude seems to be the only one with the desire to win.
Sit Ginyard and Thompson. Their days are over and they obviously don't give a Sh....!
Neither is going to the pros and they have nothing to work towards.
Let the kids create their own team. Its their team.... Let Henson get banged around, but let him do his thing. That shot off the dribble looked better than anything anyone else put up. The Wears will be great....so why not let them get going.... Drew and Strickland as 1,2 . Let Thompson and Ginyard come off the bench. Nuff said,, somebody has to work around here.
hole-98
Mon, 02/01/2010 - 11:19 — bluecat69bluecat69frustrating, isnt it?i am here to help u, ok,your problem is that u dont have a very stable coach, he looks very lost, that little singer tony b. made him look foolish.i thought u guys would do well in theNIT, but now i guess all u can say is WAIT UNTIL NEXT YR. go duke!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dang
Sun, 01/31/2010 - 23:56 — Heels20I guess this is what happens when every team in the conference gets to take out their anger on you for beating them the past 5 years straight. This feels like the loss in football to UVA. Helpless. I think TJ Yates is paying Marcus Ginyard to take the position of most hated athlete on campus. Someone said this was only UVA's 5th win ever in Chapel Hill? I guess the good thing is that things can't get any worse than this.
hole-20
Sun, 01/31/2010 - 23:38 — bluecat69bluecat69i remerber when u said that it would just a matter of time when the holes would pass ky. for the no. of wins, how is that going?????????????? go duke!!!!!1
Inconsistency
Sun, 01/31/2010 - 23:34 — trickydickpksI'm going to have to disagree with Ms. Pickeral on this one.
Duke is the inconsistent team in the Triangle. UNC has been very consistent in the last month...consistently bad!
trickyprick!!!
Mon, 02/01/2010 - 11:22 — bluecat69bluecat69what a wonderful comment!!!! go duke!!!!!!!!!!!!!
hole098
Sun, 01/31/2010 - 23:32 — bluecat69bluecat69what do u have to say about that sorry a-- team of yours??? and that sorry a- -- coach, ???????????????????????????????????? go duke!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
UNC 98
Sun, 01/31/2010 - 23:24 — bluecat69bluecat69HOW DID U LIKE THOSE HOLES TONIGHT, THEY LOOKED LIKE A TEAM THAT DIDNT EVEN HAVE A COACH, THAT WAS PITFUL, .GO DUKE !!!!!!!!!!!!
g-alligator
Sun, 01/31/2010 - 23:20 — bluecat69bluecat69your team is ,BAD, BAD, BAD, WHAT AN EMBARRASMENT TO THE ACC. GO DUKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
another no name, another career night
Sun, 01/31/2010 - 22:05 — gvillegatrit nevers ceases to amaze me that some no name always steps up against UNC and has a career night from behinf the 3 pt line.
Has anyone read Hard Work yet? Two nights ago I was on pg 135 and I just started to feel some sort of dejavu at how Coach Williams described the '03 team.
Here it is word for word.
"UNC was not a good shooting team, they were not a good defensive team, and they were very inexperienced."
If that doesn't sum up this team, nothing does.
I guess the name of his new
Sun, 01/31/2010 - 22:22 — duke_blueI guess the name of his new book should be "Even Harder Work"
I guess
Sun, 01/31/2010 - 23:04 — gvillegatrif he wants to continue to have the best winning % amongst active coaches (or is it all time?), he will need to work even harder. no question.
this is ORGASMIC.....Roy & his boys at their STIFFEST
Sun, 01/31/2010 - 21:54 — TheMambaSTRIKEScan you say and spell D-Y-S-F-U-N-C-T-I-O-N-A-L
mamby!!!!!!!
Sun, 01/31/2010 - 23:17 — bluecat69bluecat69have u ever seen such a sorry team as the tarholes?? a 15 point loss at home is inexcusable, ol roy looked like he was lost, he got out coached by a little boy.,ok go duke
HOLE-20
Sun, 01/31/2010 - 23:29 — bluecat69bluecat69HOW ARE YOUR BOYS DOING????????????. sorry! u will not even make the nit, ok, go duke!!!1!!!1