Off the cuff: The Tar Heels lacked some intensity against Florida State but found it against Virginia Tech. UNC actually played well in the first half but trailed by five at 39-34, due in great part to a three-point barrage by Virginia Tech. UNC coach Roy Williams put the words "Poise, Toughness, Confidence" up on the board at the half. As Williams put it, "the kids decided to go after it." Defense was the key with a big rebounding edge and contested shots but it all started on the practice floor after the Florida State game. The Heels, Williams said, were "rewarded for working extra hard in practice and it carried over into the game." Yes, defense (which included nine blocks) was the key but Harrison Barnes going six of six in the second half and hitting eight free throws made the difference offensively. A team with this experience and talent shouldn't need a blow-out loss to get going - but maybe they did. |
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