When it comes to Carolina basketball, there is nothing like Clemson. Once upon a time, Carolina was a school of unbelievable streaks: 20-win seasons, top-3 finishes in the ACC regular season, sweet 16 trips. Our friend Matt Doherty ended most of our most vaunted streaks (with some help from Boston College's Bill Curley).
The one that endures is our winning streak against the ACC's original football school, the Clemson Tigers. Last night's win leaves Clemson 0-forever versus Carolina. Perhaps the most inexplicable record in sports is Carolina's 54-0 lifetime record at home versus Clem(p)son.
Almost as inexplicable was the way the Heels stunk up the joint versus Georgia Tech on Sunday night. After displays of toughness and determination in their previous 2 conference games the Heels displayed neither in Atlanta. They also could not do little things like catch a pass, let alone make a shot. Inexplicable that any Division I athlete, let alone a Carolina recruit, could not catch a pass but that's what happened on Sunday night.
The good news is last night the Heels righted many off those wrongs. Perhaps best of all Carolina did not trail by double figures in this game for the first time in four games. The Heels came out much more focused, with much more energy.
That may have something to do with Kendall Marshall replacing Larry Drew II in the starting line up. That was certainly part of it; Marshall was no Ty Lawson but the Heels did score 46 points in the first half - and did not fall behind.
Marshall did his part, but the Heels were led in the first half by Jon Henson and Reggie Bullock. Bullock got major minutes due to a pneumothorax issue with Leslie McDonald. Not only did Bullock score 16 points in the first half, he got them as a result of playing a complete floor game. Bullock did hit 3 three-pointers but he also played the passing lanes and created - scored off of - Clemson turnovers.
Playing the passing lanes was emblematic of a more aggressive defensive effort by the Heels. Particularly late, the Heels really ratcheted up their defense and as a result Clemson only scored 2 points in the final seven minutes.
Also on display late was the toughness the Heels demonstrated in their wins over Virginia and Virginia Tech. For most of the game the Heels had a working lead of 4 to 8 points but the Tigers fought back time after time, tying the game at 63 with seven minutes left. That's when the Heels started making plays.
Down the stretch Barnes made another big three and had a important defensive board, Marshall made free throws, there was a key tip-in by Henson, and Zeller had two monster offensive rebounds.
So overall a pretty satisfying game, one that makes us 3-1 in the conference. We didn't get behind early, Bullock and Henson made shots, and the Heels got tough late to win. Thanks Clemson!
And GO HEELS!
- This is Henson's team now. Used to be Zeller's. Psycho Z is still playing well, but Henson is consistently making plays on offense and defense (everywhere but the free throw line). We get much worse when he is not on the floor.
- Zeller needs to get more touches. In the last two games he's only taken 11 shots. Maybe teams are keying on him more, and Henson is benefiting as a result. But I wish we could be more patient on offense and get Zeller more touches and shots.
- I was impressed by Larry Drew II. Coming off the bench he was more Bobby Fraser 2006 than his usual Adam Boone. He attacked the basket and played some good d, too. And he didn't sulk. Props to LDII.
- Bullock finally snapped out of his parliament-sized funk last night. Like Barnes, he's had trouble losing himself in the game but last night he finally did - and scored 16 points in the first half.
- Barnes keeps tantalizing. He is clearly skilled but still seems to be thinking too much out there. I like that he has been taking the ball to the rack more, and seems to have improved as a defender.
- After 3 games in 6 days the Heels are now off until their January 26 visit to the U.
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