ATLANTA — All North Carolina junior forward John Henson could do was brace himself and hope for the best. With about 15 minutes to play in the first half of the Tar Heels’ 85-69 victory against Maryland on Friday in the ACC tournament semifinals, Henson collided in the air with the Terrapins’ Ashton Pankey.

The collision came after Henson had secured a rebound, and he was attempting a follow shot when Pankey’s contact sent Henson tumbling. He lost his balance – and his footing – and used his left hand to break his fall. A media timeout provided Henson a brief reprieve, but he motioned to be taken out of the game after attempting a free throw.

ATLANTA — Top-seeded North Carolina defeated No. 8 Maryland 85-69 in the ACC tournament quarterfinals on Friday here at Philips Arena. The Tar Heels advanced to play No. 5 N.C. State today in the semifinals at 1 p.m.

A look back at UNC’s victory against the Terrapins: 

ATLANTA — Here’s my story off of North Carolina’s 85-69 victory against Maryland today in the ACC tournament quarterfinals. The gist: James Michael McAdoo, the Tar Heels’ freshman forward who lacked confidence earlier this season, is beginning to realize his potential.

More to come.

ATLANTA — Top-seeded North Carolina defeated No. 8 Maryland 85-69 on Friday during the ACC tournament quarterfinals at Philips Arena.

Harrison Barnes and Reggie Bullock led the Tar Heels (28-4) with 15 points apiece, and Tyler Zeller added 14 points. James Michael McAdoo, the freshman forward, finished with 14 points and a team-high eight rebounds while playing a career-high 29 minutes.

CHAPEL HILL — No. 6 North Carolina defeated Maryland 88-64 on Wednesday night at the Smith Center. A look back at the Tar Heels’ senior night victory: 

CHAPEL HILL — No. 6 North Carolina hosts Maryland tonight at the Smith Center, where the Tar Heels will be celebrating senior night. A victory would enable the Tar Heels to keep pace with Duke atop the ACC standings, and it would set up a regular-season finale in Cameron Indoor Stadium to decide the regular season championship.

But first things first. Some things to watch between the Heels and Terrapins:

CHAPEL HILL — North Carolina coach Roy Williams remembers with fondness the final time he played a basketball game at home in high school. He remembers his mom walking out on the court to meet him before the game, and he remembers the emotions that came along with the moment.

CHAPEL HILL — A belated, and brief, three points in the wake of North Carolina’s 83-74 victory at Maryland on Saturday …

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Before his team’s 83-74 victory against Maryland on Saturday, North Carolina sophomore forward Harrison Barnes wasn’t sure if he’d be able to play three minutes or 30 minutes, and he wasn’t sure of how good he could be regardless of how much he played.

All he knew, he said later, is that he wouldn’t let the sprained left ankle he’d suffered earlier in the week keep him on the bench. As it turned out, Barnes didn’t stop playing even after he sprained it again.