Off the cuff: The hopeful sign that I took away from the Monmouth game was the fact that P.J. Hairston rebounded well from a bad outing against Elon.
He was only one of five from three and two of 11 shooting overall, with four turnovers against Elon. Against Monmouth, Hairston was four of nine from three and six of 11 overall, with no turnovers.
If the Heels want to win the ACC over Duke and go to the Final Four, they are going to need some outside shooting. Leslie McDonald figured to provide some of that but he was hurt before the season, and it looks like he's not coming back this season.
By the way, there was a rare post-game scoring change. Harrison Barnes was credited with a tip in that had gone to James Michael McAdoo. As a result, Barnes scored 20 and McAdoo scored six.
Tar Heels 102, Monmouth 65 UNC gets out quick to roll by Monmouth
North Carolina scored the first 12 points of the game and went on a 33-10 run late in the first half to put the game against Monmouth over early. The Tar Heels used 21 points from John Henson to coast to 102-65 victory. (1/1) Click here for a photo gallery.
It was the 26th straight home win and the Heels seventh straight to move to 13-2 overall.
Harrison Barnes added 20 points while P.J. Hairston had 16. Reggie Bullock rounded out the double figure scorers with 11.
UNC coach Roy Williams said he was pleased with the Tar Heels performance although after getting out to a 57-26 halftime lead his players took their foot off the pedal. He said it was normal for play to get a little ragged after being up by so much at the half.
He had some kind words for Monmouth coach King Rice, who played at Carolina. "I knew King's club would never quit," Coach Williams said. "He's going to be an outstanding coach."
Rice's assistant coaches are former Tar Heels Brian Reese and Derrick Phelps.
The Tar Heels open the ACC season at home Saturday against Boston College.
