On Saturday, after an impressive 10 point win at Clemson it became apparent North Carolina is the team to beat in the ACC. Clemson was off to an 11-2 start and top 20 ranking. They had wins over Alabama, TCU, and South Carolina. PJ Hall was playing at an All-American level. Joe Girard looked like the top transfer in the ACC, and playing at home, Clemson is especially tough.
None of that mattered to North Carolina Saturday. During November and December, the Heels showed flashes of their potential. There were back-to-back wins against Arkansas and Tennessee. The first 20 minutes against Tennessee where they led a very good Vols team by 22, was as good a half of basketball as any college basketball team has played this year. They also had a double-digit win over 13-1 Oklahoma, but there was inconsistency on the defensive end and on the glass. In a loss to Connecticut, the Huskies shot 51% from the field. In the loss to Kentucky, the Heels were outrebounded 43-32. In both games, the Heels gave up 87 points.
Their defense seems to have turned the corner. The Heels have held their last 4 opponents to under 70 points. Against a quality offensive team like Clemson UNC held the Tigers to 55 points on 21/58 shooting. Clemson shot 6% from 3. That’s the kind of defense that can carry UNC a long way, because we know their offense has at times been elite.
Is the ACC race over? Certainly not. Some have called Wake Forest’s starting 5 the best in the ACC, and they are 3-0 in the ACC. NC State also looked impressive handling Virginia Saturday is off to a 3-0 ACC start. Duke is extremely talented. Clemson and Miami will be heard from again.
After last season’s massive disappointment, Hubert Davis certainly seems to have something working with this year’s Tar Heels as we move into the New Year.
Make sure you follow the All Sports Discussion Twitter account at @AllSportsDACC and please like our Facebook Page.
Leave a Reply