Heels Handle Spartans

I really enjoyed watching Carolina thoroughly dominate Michigan State last night in the ACC-Big 10 challenge. It was a phenomenal performance by a squad that is playing NBA-quality basketball. To beat a team like Michigan State - quality program, perennial contender, pre-season final four favorite - that bad on the road is impressive.

This team just looks different than most college teams. Though it's only December and Hansbrough has only played in four games, the Heels are in sync and playing a high level of college basketball. The fact that Hansbrough, Ellington, Green and Lawson have played together three to four years makes this talented team a scary one. And I think it's noticeable because in this day and age teams don't stay together very long, at least teams as talented as the Heels.

Last night's game unfolded much like the win over Notre Dame, a top 10 opponent that hung with the Heels early only to be overwhelmed by Carolina's talent and effort.

And as it was versus Notre Dame, the two most impressive talents on the floor were Tyler Hansbrough and Ty Lawson. Hansbrough was methodical and unstoppable as he posted another double-double. Once again he showed off his improved range, hitting a number of jumpers, and on the boards he is simply more determined than most players. Determination alone will make him a success at the next level.

On Lawson, I'm not sure where to begin. As good as Hansbrough was, Lawson was even better. Steals, assists, three-pointers, fast breaks, drives to the hole, etc. etc. etc. Lawson is playing with a focus and maturity that seems unstoppable right now. He's not just a fast point guard tailor made to run Roy Williams' offense. Lawson has grown into a complete basketball player and point guard.

Heels High Notes

• Great to see Wayne Ellington break out of his mini-slump. He looked great in the first half, hit shots from all over the floor, and finished with 17 points.
• I continue to be impressed with Ed Davis, who finished with 10 and 7 in only seventeen minutes. This guy is this year's Marvin Williams. What a weapon off the bench.
• My favorite play last night - among many including the two fast breaks started by my man Danny Green - was Will Graves' dunk off an in bounds pass. It was a great Carolina basketball play. That was not a play designed for Graves, simply two basketball players being smart on the floor, pure Carolina.
• Got to see Sheed in the stands!
• Once again, the ACC won the Big 10 challenge 6-5. The final tally should have been 8 to 3; Virginia Tech should have beaten Wisconsin, ditto Georgia Tech over Penn State, and Miami would have won if McClintock hadn't slapped an Ohio State hoopster. But even with those losses the ACC won, and the top two ACC teams - Carolina and Duke - humiliated the top two Big 10 teams on the road.
• Finally, Carolina's women's soccer team is back in the final four for the 24th time in the 27 history of NCAA women's soccer. They play again on Friday night, in Cary, on ESPNU. The Heels are shooting for their 22nd NCAA championship.

Go Heels!