Carolina Takes Down Wake

The Heels' handled Wake Forest last night for their fifth win in a row.  Like the State game, the game was relatively close early as the Heels maintained a 4 to 10 point lead for most of the half.  

The stage was set for the second half by Ellington's three just before halftime.   Ellington was 3 for 5 from behind the arch last night, and once again helped carry Carolina's offense.

Hansbrough had another great game.  He is so good that it's easy to take him granted. But as well as Thomas has played lately it's Psycho T who has really stepped it up in the wake of Lawson's injury.  Hansbrough has developed a well rounded offensive game; he's got spin moves, power moves, that shot put hook shot, a mid range game, and of course his free throw shooting.  In a word - unstoppable.  In addition to his 29 points Hansbrough got McFarland in foul trouble. When McFarland picked up his fourth foul early in the second half the game was basically over.

I like the way the Heels started the second half.  Carolina repeatedly went inside to Hansbrough, Ellington and Green shot well, but I also liked the defense in the first 10 minutes of the half.   It was a very methodical effort by the Heels as they eventually led by 19 points.  

Green especially had a nice run the second half, and finished with 15 points and 9 rebounds.  His three after Wake had closed to 12 put the game away.

Finally, a word about Quentin Thomas.  Once again he had a nice game running Carolina's new, efficient half court sets.   What an asset he'll be in the NCAA tournament; with Lawson and Thomas the Heels will be able to run and play a half court game, if needed.

The Heels now have a week off before they play at BC next weekend.  As well as Q has played, Lawson may finally get back on the court after the week layoff.   

Random Hoop Thoughts

• State got waxed again in Charlottesville, trailing by 27 at one point.  I'm starting to develop a macabre interest in the Wolfpacks' ineptitude.
• Miami defeated Maryland and has an inside track to make the NCAA tournament.  Maryland is now firmly on the bubble.
• Finally, I was impressed by Wake.  They have four legit players in Teague, Johnson, Smith and McFarland; all four are either freshmen and sophomores. Watch out for them next year, though if they make it to 8-8 the Duke win should get them in the tournament this year.  The ACC deserves six teams in the NCAAs this season (UNC, Duke, Clemson, Miami, Virginia Tech, and Wake).