Well, Carolina is back

After what seemed like years in the wilderness, Carolina basketball returned tonight in the unlikely setting of Raleigh, North Carolina.


In defeating NC State, the Heels accomplished a number of things: ended a 3-game losing streak; won their first tough road game; got back into the ACC regular season race; restored some confidence, and built up confidence in the freshman.


But all that pales to the best thing the Heels did - they looked like Carolina.  They were smart, they were poised, they were determined on defense and on the boards.  And best of all, the Heels returned to the tactic that has made them the most successful college basketball program of the modern era: they fed the post and got good shots.


Led by Deon Thompson, who clearly decided to play some inspired Tyler Hansbrough-like basketball, the Heels consistently went down low - and were rewarded almost every time.  It's hard to remember the Heels taking many bad shots.  Deon was aggressive and active, and Ed Davis looked almost as good.  After one bad shot to start the game Easy Ed got into rhythm both offensively and defensively.  


A lot of that credit has to go to Larry Davis, who only had one turnover on the road in a hostile arena.  A great bounce-back game for him in terms of decision making and shot making.  His drive for an old fashioned three-point play to seal the win was fantastic.


And his back up, Dexter Strickland, was simply an assassin. His cold-blooded three with 12 minutes left, his steals that led to fast breaks, his confident play left me giddy.


Thompson, Drew and Strickland led the Heels to victory tonight, but it really was a team effort.  That effort was most evident on the defensive end, where for a key 8-minute stretch the Wolfpack failed to score.   It was empty trip after empty trip for NC State, trips that ended in either steals - by Thompson, Strickland and one of the Wears - or blocked shots by Thompson and John Henson.  


Henson had his best game as a Heel. He flowed, was aggressive and literally created havoc for State with his ball hocking and shot blocking. Henson's effort reminded me of Wes Miller coming off the bench in 2006 at Duke to take over the game during a key but limited stretch of play.


Finally, kudos to 'ol Roy for getting this team's groove back in the last 6 days.  


A great win, any way you look at it, but greater still when you see Carolina winning while looking like Carolina.


GO HEELS!


And Kentucky lost, and we beat the junior tea baggers on their home floor!