SWEET!

Okay, they call it March Madness for a reason.  On Monday night North Carolina played Ohio State in a 4/5 matchup with a spot in the Sweet 16 going to the winner.  I wasn’t sure we would make it to this game.  I had a migraine on Sunday that lasted into Monday morning.  Thankfully not into Monday afternoon.  So, we loaded up and made the short drive from Raleigh, this time remembering our season ticket holder lanyards and parked in Cobb deck.  Wow, would it be great to park there every game, but I digress.  Everyone knows by now.  Final, North Carolina 86, Ohio State 84.

I went into this thinking a couple of things.  One, both teams have been shooting well and it’s going to be close.  Two, it’s going to be a track meet.  Ohio State struck me as one of few teams that can run with North Carolina despite their relatively short bench.  During the game between them and James Madison, I noticed how fast both teams were getting up and down the court.  I was right on both counts.  It was close though it didn’t go the way I expected and it was very fast paced.  Once the game started, I noticed one very significant detail.  They were going with single coverage on Stephanie Mavunga.  I can’t remember the last time that happened prior to Xylina McDaniel getting hurt. They went with that for most of the first half and the Tar Heels made them pay big time. 

 Yes, 50 and that included 18 points from Stephanie who did whatever she wanted.  She ruled that painted area and her teammates wisely kept giving her the ball.  Now that was also with a significant time on the bench in the first half as well.  I think she scored 16 points in 10 minutes.  I try not to think about next season right now; but wow, seeing this had me thinking about next season when Z is back out there.

Now of course seeing that half-time score, one would wonder if the teams switched uniforms at half-time.  No, I called this game a tale of two halves.  I think these teams match up pretty well and each team had a half where they played at their highest level and each team had a half where they played tight.  It’s easy to figure out which team did what and when.  Neither half went the way I expected.  I neither expected North Carolina to outscore Ohio State by 20, nor did I expect the opposite to happen.  But March is pretty much about seeing the unexpected.  I went to the restroom at halftime knowing Ohio State was going to make a run.  We’re talking about a team that scores 80 a game after all and they have the nation’s leading scorer who was averaging 25 a game sitting at 4 points at halftime.  But I figured we would hold on. 

What I didn’t expect due to their short bench was that Ohio State would begin to press North Carolina full court.  I’ve often heard if you want to bother a pressing team (which North Carolina is on occasion), you need to hit them with a press and Ohio State did just that.  After 2 turnovers in the first half, a stat that had me over the moon happy, North Carolina had 14 in the 2^nd and Ohio State maximized those extra possessions.  They weren’t getting breakouts for lay-ups or anything like that.  They just managed to score most of the times they got the ball back even though they didn’t get a bunch of wide open shots. 

Fouls also started to mount a bit, which usually changes the way the Heels play defense because they know how important it is to stay on the floor.  This was kind of confusing to me because the officials had not been very active in the first half.  Neither team reached the bonus in the first half that I can recall; but both were in the bonus with over 8 minutes left in the 2^nd.  But I don’t have anything more to say about that portion of the game really. 

Ohio State made it all the way back to tie the game so we had the nail biter I expected.  Players on both teams that you expect to give big numbers gave big numbers.  Down the stretch, players on both teams made some huge baskets and key plays on defense.  After Mitchell completed the OSU comeback by hitting a 3 pointer to bring the game to a tie, Latifah Coleman hit a jumper to put North Carolina ahead again with 12 seconds to go.  This would set the stage for a classic ending.

At the end, it was two freshmen making the final plays for each team.  With North Carolina leading 84 to 82, Kelsey Mitchell drove to the basket and appeared to be tied up by two North Carolina players.  Everyone in blue and UNC’s bench was signaling jump ball (UNC had the arrow); however, our friends called a foul on Stephanie Mavunga.  Now, I realize I’m biased; but it looked similar to a play on our end that resulted in a jump ball instead of foul.  But it fit the way the game had been called in the 2^nd half.  Mitchell made both free throws knotting the score at 84 a piece with 5.1 seconds to go.  Jamie Cherry entered the game for N’Dea Bryant.  My mind immediately flashed back to this.

Jamie Cherry hits 3 pointer to force overtime in the ACC Quarter finals

 

Everyone standing in the place, Allisha inbounded the ball to Jamie and without hesitation, our littlest Tar Heel rushed but under control made her way all the way to just the side and behind the free throw line after a nice crossover.  Her jumper swished straight through with less than a second to go and pandemonium ensued.  Ohio State inbounded the ball without calling time and with less than a second there’s no time for anything but a catch and shoot.  But Mitchell dribbled the ball before shooting it and time ran out.

 

After a brief huddle by the officials to decide if North Carolina players on the floor made a difference in the end, the game was declared to be over.  I can’t recall the exact NCAA rule at the moment; but that’s all been discussed many times in the last day and a half.    All I know is my team is still dancing and I’m so grateful.  There were a lot of great performances in this one.  We'll start with the queen of the paint.

Stephanie Mavunga: 27 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 blocks, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Did I mention she ruled the paint?  Okay, just checking.  She also made some 15 foot jump shots in the game.  She went left, she went right, it didn’t seem to matter.  That’s a new career high and another double double.

 

 

N’Dea Bryant: 7 points, 8 rebounds (photo from www.goheels.com)

Really appreciate how that midrange jumper kept the defense honest in this game.  And those were some huge rebounds.  Nearly a double double for our player on the rise.





 

Brittany Rountree: 15 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists (photo from www.goheels.com)

Girl was on fire!  5 of 7 on three pointers.  That’s a senior making it happen.  Kept the defense spaced and did her thing out there on defense.  Yes, Mitchell scored 25 points; but it also took 25 shots to get there and her defense is one of the many things I appreciate the most.

Latifah Coleman: 6 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)

The press bothered her some; but our senior came through with some big plays on defense distributed the ball well and that shot to give us the lead with 12 seconds to go…HUGE!

Jamie Cherry: 7 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists (photo from www.goheels.com)

We knew we had a gift when this young lady signed to play with us.  A little under the radar; but doing big things.  Just a freshman folks.  We get three more years.  Played under control for the game, had 5 assists to go with the 7 points in 16 minutes and in the end, after Kelsey Mitchell tied the score with 5.1 seconds to go, Jamie came in for N’Dea and you know the rest. 

Allisha Gray: 20 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)

Quietly going about the business of an All-American.  Okay, well officially All-Region according to the WBCA.  Allisha put together another stellar performance.  Big shots from everywhere, including two from long range.  Those 7 rebounds and 5 assists were big as well.  To have 5 assists from the three position is amazing.  She joined the 1000 point club a couple of games ago and hasn’t slowed down a bit.  She’s reached double figures in 31 games this season.

So the Tar Heels continue on.  I'm sure Ohio State is going to be a force going forward.  They have several players out injured and what they accomplished was amazing.  We are fortunate to be moving on.  Even more fortunate to have our coach moving on.  It really hits me watching this video because last year...well.

 

 

Things don’t get any easier for sure.  Our bracket along with the Oklahoma City bracket remained intact and the top 4 seeds will converge on Greensboro this weekend.  So North Carolina will face the #1 seed South Carolina in the regionals again this season.  Until then and always…

Go Heels!

Tar Heels Prevail Over Liberty in Round One

So the first round of the 2015 Women's NCAA tournament is in the books.  And some of the 2nd.  Every ACC team has recorded a victory in the first round including 11 seed Miami and 10 seed Pittsburgh.    On Saturday at 11am, the Tar Heels took on the Liberty Flames.  I knew this was going to be a challenge.  Liberty's front line ranges in height from 6'2" to 6'6" tall and they have multiple players over 6'4" tall.  I knew we were going to need really good guard play in this one because they were going to use that height not only to control the boards; but also to double and triple team Stephanie Mavunga.

We got a little bit of a late start; but we arrived in time for the starting lineups.  This one started out pretty tight.  But then the Tar Heels went on a run and pushed to a double digit lead with their quickness.  Liberty had a decided advantage in the paint with that big talented front line.  I think I mentioned it,  but it can't be said enough...multiple players 6'4" and up.  The Tar Heels did lose the rebounding battle.  But, we won the game.  Final, North Carolina 71, Liberty 65.

 

So what I was hoping for in this one was really good guard play.  We had some great guard play in this game.  Latifah Coleman and Allisha Gray combined to hit 14 of 22 shots and score 32 points.  Brittany Rountree was perfect from the floor.  I wished she had taken more than a couple of shots; but, she also had 5 assists.  Jessica Washington hit 2 of her 3 attempts as well.  N'Dea Bryant and Danielle Butts played well too.  And this was vital because while her numbers were good, Stephanie had a tough day, which makes what she was able to accomplish that much more admirable.  This was a physical game and her work against that front line Liberty rotated in and out was crucial.

 

Stephanie Mavunga: 12 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 5 blocks (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Nine rebounds against that front line Liberty had was impressive.  It likely would have been more had there not been notable foul trouble for her in the game.

 

 

N'Dea Bryant: 8 points, 5 rebounds, 1 block (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Have I mentioned yet how tall Liberty's front line is?  Okay, just checking.  Those were 5 big rebounds for N'Dea.  She was continuously playing someone much taller; and was also in and out of the game with foul trouble; but shot 50%.  With the Flames surrounding Stephanie she was able to get her shot off quite a bit.  A couple went in and came out.  Incredibly athletic too, which helps when you're defending someone 4 inches taller.

 

 

Jessica Washington: 5 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Continuing on the theme of the game, which was great guard play, I have to say this young lady brought a lot of energy to the court.  Jessica seemed locked in to the mission of the day.  She was really active on the defensive end and with the exception of a play when she was blocked by a screen (which didn't look quite legal, but who am I to say), she stayed with her player well.

 

 

Jamie Cherry: 3 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists, 2 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Well played.  First NCAA tournament game for the team's only freshman, though I don't think she's still a freshman at this point with all of the experience she has gained so far this season.  This was a balanced, controlled effort for Jamie.  Saw the floor well, was aggressive on defense and delivered the ball to players where they could score.  One was a great pass to Stephanie for an "and 1" play under the basket that ESPN saw fit to highlight. Link: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=12530188&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

 

 

 

Brittany Rountree: 5 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Brittany wasn't in double figures today for the first time in a while; but this was a very efficient game for her.  Our friends (if I can call them that) in the striped shirts gave her some trouble; but despite that she put her stamp on this game, made every shot she took including a big three pointer to push the lead back to double digits when Liberty had closed to within 7 points and distributed the ball really well from the 2 spot.



 

 

Danielle Butts: 4 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)

 



This photo epitomizes what I'm going to miss about Danielle whenever this tournament ends.  With help from Jamie Cherry, this is such an aggressive trap.  There's so much energy in it and so much determination in her face.

 

 

Allisha Gray: 17 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

For evidence of the physicality of this game, you have to look no further than our two All-ACC performers, Stephanie Mavunga and Allisha Gray.  I don't know how they do it sometimes.  They are targeted by the other team's defense game in and game out.  There are times they make it look easy; but that's a testament to how skilled they are.  This game was a real display of Allisha Gray's strength and determination.  No part of her person seemed off limits to Liberty's defenders and space was not easy to come by at any point in the game.  Still a more than valiant effort, 7 of 11 from the floor and a couple of "and 1" opportunities.

 

 

 

Latifah Coleman: 15 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

I had mentioned this game might show us North Carolina's quickness against Liberty's height.  Liberty has some quickness as well; but I don't think anyone could keep up with Latifah Coleman on the floor.  On both ends she was just an opponent's nightmare with her ability to get to the rim and finish and her ability to stay low and keep offensive players in front of her.  The camera caught her face on one defensive possession and the intensity in her eyes was just incredible.  I pointed it out to my daughter as I often do when I see an opportunity for a teaching moment.  It was a good conversation.

 

"See, look at her face.  See that determination?"  "Wow, I'm never going to forget her mom."  "That's good. You shouldn't.  You have the privilege of watching determination and faith in action when that young lady is out there leading this team.  We should always remember it."

 



Speaking of faith and determination in action, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention in this entry what so many are talking about, and that is Coach Sylvia Hatchell being back in the NCAA tournament this season.  The College basketball world watched and waited as she battled leukemia all last season and it is no doubt a big motivating factor for the team in this tournament and has been all season.  We're all grateful.  Welcome back to March Madness Coach.

 

 

Coach Sylvia Hatchell (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

So it's on to the 2nd round.  We stayed and watched the game between Ohio State and James Madison and it was a track meet and the score reflected that.  The teams combined for 170 points and really got up and down the floor.  Ohio State won so they will be UNC's opponent on Monday.  The Tar Heels were really efficient offensively in their first round game.  Defensively though it is going to take a bit of a shift as Ohio State will get more from their perimeter players than Liberty.  It will be a test for sure.  Game time is Monday at 6:30.  Until then and always...

 

 

Go Heels!

 





Just Short in OT

Yeah, I know this game was over two weeks ago.  Things have been a bit nuts for us.  We moved.  I was packing boxes while watching the first round game against Georgia Tech.  We were supposed to transition to the new home a week earlier; but the crazy weather we had threw a lot of things off.  So following our return home Sunday morning I had to continue to pack.  Honestly the transition is still going on; but we are enjoying our new place.  When you have been in the same house for 15 years, and then move to a house 300 square feet smaller it isn't an easy transition.  Add to it, you go with the mentality that you will not just transfer your junk from one address to another; but truly start over...what an exhausting experience it was.  Necessary but exhausting. 

Still, we went to the game; so I still wanted to have the entry here.  Just in time for the first NCAA tournament game.  So of course everyone knows how this game turned out and the highs and lows of the event are well documented.  Final, Louisville 77, North Carolina 75 in overtime. 

This was the 2nd time playing Louisville this season and it was similar to the first game in a lot of ways.  What was good? North Carolina built a double digit lead.  North Carolina had four players in double figures and a 5th player had nine points.  North Carolina won the rebounding battle 41 to 38 paced by 16 from Stephanie Mavunga.  What wasn't good?  Allisha Gray fouled out of the contest, the only two times she has fouled out of games as a Carolina player.  North Carolina had an atypical (for this season) 21 turnovers in the game.  Stephanie Mavunga also fouled out of the game

This was an intense matchup between two really good teams.  Each team built significant leads during the game only to see the other erase that lead every time.  With 7 seconds to go, Louisville was up three and when North Carolina inbounded the ball and started up the court needing a three point shot, the play didn't look good.  But...

 

 

Just the way it was drawn up right?  Shock ran through the coliseum in a wave and the common sentiment where we were was that we had been given a gift.  I just felt we were going to clamp down in the extra period and win.  Louisville had the same idea though and at the end we found ourselves in the same spot only down 2, our All-ACC performers disqualified, and the half-court heave that would have won the game this time, was just a bit left.  This wasn't for lack of effort for sure.  Kind of like both teams couldn't win and unfortunately it didn't go our way.

 

 

N'Dea Bryant: 13 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 3 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)

 





Can't say enough about this young lady.  Her level of play is a big reason North Carolina has done as well as they have after losing Xylina (McDaniel).  The way she has come in and played with intensity and confidence on both ends of the court has shown us all what she was capable of giving every game.  Makes fans excited for next season as well.

 

Jessica Washington: 16 points, 2 rebounds, 1 block, 3 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)

 



Great game as well from Jessica.  She has been staying in her shot more and it shows in her accuracy.  She hit three 3 point shots in this game, took care of the ball and gave UNC 30 great minutes.  She stepped up big with Latifah Coleman having some health issues during the game.  Looking forward to seeing what she will do in this tournament.  Jamie played some extended minutes as well.  Kind of a rough shooting day for her; but, I never see any fear in her even though she's experiencing these moments for the first time in college.  You could see the heartbreak in her face when the game was over; but I hope she always cherishes that great moment.  One of the reasons I went ahead and did this entry was to make sure I had a place to go back and watch it myself.

 

Jamie Cherry: 9 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists (photo from www.goheels.com)

 



 

Stephanie Mavunga: 12 points, 16 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, 2 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)

 



It took some creativity to get these numbers on what wasn't the greatest shooting day for Stephanie.  There was a lot of contact on the low block in this game.  Stephanie gave as good as she got; but she also took some shots from further away than I like because that was what was available.  I have to admire her guts.  She played 43 minutes in this game and had over 30 in the game against Georgia Tech.  Thankfully no more back to backs.  There's at least a day between each game in the NCAA tournament.

 

Brittany Rountree: 11 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Brittany just continues to make things happen.  She has really elevated her play the last half of the season.  She's been in double figures consistently and is just playing with that sense of urgency you want from a senior leader.  She has the distinction of never having missed a single game since the first time she put on the uniform, that's 136 games so far.

 

 

Allisha Gray: 7 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Definitely not one of our star's brightest nights.  I wondered if the ankle was bothering her; but she had a big defensive assignment in this one and was really bothered with foul trouble.  I expect she's all healthy and ready to hit the court this weekend though.

 

So our time in Greensboro Coliseum was pretty short this year.  My daughter bless her heart takes these post season losses pretty hard.  Her own competitiveness combined with her love for the team make these kinds of nights really tough. 

 

But the NCAA tournament is upon and as everyone surely knows by now, North Carolina is the #4 seed in the Greensboro Region.  Couldn't ask for more as a fan than to be hosting rounds 1 and 2 and have the Regionals just down I-40 in Greensboro and to be able to have a chance to play in two arenas with which the team is very familiar. 

 

The Tar Heels take the court tomorrow morning at 11:00 against the Liberty Flames.  It's going to be quickness against height in this one.  Liberty boasts a front line of three players ranging from 6'2" up to 6'6" tall.  This will likely be a game where midrange jumpers and 3 point shots are open.  Thankfully the Heels have been shooting well.  Until then and always...

 

Go Heels!



Tar Heels Open March Madness with Great Team Win

It’s tournament time.  Hard to believe but it’s here.  This season seemed to go by kind of fast.  This weekend a lot of conference tournaments are going on and Greensboro has welcomed ACC fans now for the 16^th straight year.  My two and I have been among them.  It’s great because it is within driving distance of most of the teams in the conference and not only the triangle teams.  They do a great job hosting the event, which is why they have had it for so long and will continue to have it through the 2022 season.

There are 15 ACC teams and every team participates in this tournament.  That being the case it started with three games on Wednesday, March 4^th with the teams in 10^th to 15^th place playing for a spot in the 2^nd round.  There were a couple of surprises. 

#10 North Carolina State lost 57 to 56 to #15 Virginia Tech on a last second shot from Hanna Young.  #12 Boston College lost to #13 Wake Forest 69 to 53 behind a 23 point, 8 rebound performance from senior Dearica Hamby

In the one expected result of the day, #11 Georgia Tech had no trouble though with #14 Clemson winning 80 to 53 despite just 3 points and 5 fouls in 12 minutes from All-ACC Sophomore Kaela Davis.  The Georgia Tech win earned them a matchup with my Tar Heels on Thursday. 

Before I get to that, I have to mention the that Virginia Tech and Wake Forest have continued on their unlikely journey.  Wake Forest upset the 5^th seed Syracuse Orange 85 to 79 yesterday afternoon and Virginia Tech beat the #7 seed Pittsburgh 51 to 45.  So after winning three games between them in the ACC regular season, they have each won games on back to back days.  You have to love March Madness.  It’s a brand new season.  #8 Miami and #9 Virginia squared off on Thursday as well.  Miami won 62 to 52 behind 8 three pointers they sank during the game.

The Tar Heels and the Yellow Jackets had the final game of the day.  They had last squared off on January 11^th in Carmichael.   Now, for several years, my daughter happened to have a Teacher’s workday fall on the Friday of the tournament; so we would make our way to Greensboro by Thursday evening whether North Carolina was in action or not.  Didn’t happen this year.  So we spent last night screaming at the TV with a bag of Carolina gear packed for the weekend sitting at the front door.    

This game showed great balance for the Tar Heels.  There were three players in double figures (Gray, Mavunga, Coleman); but there were four more players (Bryant, Cherry, Washington and Rountree) that had either 8 or 9 points each.  The Tar Heels had just 10 turnovers and played great team defense.  Final, North Carolina 84, Georgia Tech 64.

 

 

Stephanie Mavunga: 23 points, 16 rebounds, 8 blocks, 2 assists (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Yes, nearly a triple double and that is impressive on its own; but, considering that much of the night she was double and triple teamed, it says a lot.  I could see this was a concerted effort to take advantage of Stephanie's size and skill and wow, just a monster effort on both ends of the floor.  That 8 blocks is likely the most in a game since she came to UNC.  Just a great job in a very physical game.  She hit her first three shots and just continued to own it from there.

 

 

Jessica Washington: 9 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

After a monster game in Cameron indoor (which I missed most of due to a power outage), Jessica looks as confident as ever.  It was great to see her hit her shots here in the first game.  In pregame they told us about special glasses she uses to warm up due to a depth perception challenge she deals with.  I told my daughter if she keeps shooting like this everyone will want a pair.

 

 

Allisha Gray: 14 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

What can I saw about this young lady.  My tweet last night was "tough as nails" and I've always thought so.  For the 2nd straight year, she suffered an injury in the first game of the ACC tournament.  Last year she hit her head and sat the rest of the game as a precaution.  This year an ankle sprain.  Had to remind myself to breath while she laid there on the court and was helped to the locker room.  She returned to the court to play some inspired basketball. 

 

 

Latifah Coleman: 10 points, 2 assists, 1 rebound, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Latifah has had some magical moments in Greensboro Coliseum.  If last night is any indication she is going to put her stamp on her final ACC tournament.  Ran things really well out there last night, was under control, made great decisions and shot the ball well.

 

 

Jamie Cherry: 8 points, 1 rebound (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

From the beginning of the season, North Carolina's only freshman let us know she would not shrink in big moments.  Her first college post season game was no exception.  In 13 minutes on the floor she game us these points and moved the ball well.

 Danielle Butts: 3 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Another senior out there making things happen for this team.  She did a great job in this game in the few minutes she was out there.  The way she plays 13 minutes was plenty.  We have a ways to go in this one.  But in this fan's opinion she's off to a great start in her last ACC tournament.

 N'Dea Bryant: 8 points, 3 rebounds, 1 block, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)

N'Dea had continued her strong play since entering the starting lineup.  She's hard to defend with her quickness, her length, her athleticism all combined with that killer midrange jumper.  With the ability to play inside out, she has become a real weapon for this team.

 

 

Brittany Rountree: 9 points, 1 rebound, 4 assists, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)

 



Seems like yesterday she played her first ACC tournament game setting a record for the most 3 pointers made in a game (7).  Now it's her final tournament and she is doing everything you want from a senior.  She's playing great defense, scoring consistently, being a leader, getting the ball to people in scoring position, just making things happen.  Great Carolina victory over a very good Georgia Tech team who will be heard from in the post season and in seasons to come. 

 

 

Photo from www.goheels.com

 

The Tar Heels will enjoy this one for a bit, but Louisville is up next.   They are the #3 seed and North Carolina's opponent in the last game of the day.  The Heels lost a close one in the YUM Center during the regular season, a game they lead until the last 5 minutes.  That's a memory likely in the front of everyone's mind today.  The weather has shortened this day more than expected; so we'll be hitting the highway from Car Pool today.  Looking forward to joining the team and our fellow fans in Tournament Town.  Until then and always...

 

Go Heels!

 

 

 

 

 







 

 

March Madness in February. UNC Beats UVA at the Buzzer

So my fears materialized and the weather kept us in on Thursday night.  I was really sad to miss Senior Night for the team.  I'm so appreciative of the contributions from this class.  This time of year is never easy when your team has seniors.  My daughter started her "Nooooooo, they can't go!" about two weeks ago.  Danielle Butts, Brittany Rountree, Latifah Coleman, Megan Buckland, Erika Johnson.

 

From the top going clockwise: Erika Johnson, Megan Buckland, Brittany Rountree, Latifah Coleman and Danielle Butts (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

So as to the game, we did start out slowly and was down by as much as 12 points in the first half as Virginia shot lights out in Carmichael.  Coach had warned of the emotion of Senior night combined with the sense of urgency Virginia would be playing with because their post season hopes are on the line.  It was an important game for North Carolina as well because...well, you want to win senior night.  But also while a top 4 seed in the ACC tournament is out of reach since Syracuse won their final conference game and holds the tie breaker, North Caroline with a win would stay on pace for a top 4 seed in the NCAA tournament and that is crucial because the top 4 seeds in each region will host the first two rounds.  Final, North Carolina 72, Virginia 70.

 

This was an exciting game for sure.  The children and I gathered in the family room and the children yelled "C'mon Tar Heels!" whenever they had the ball.  Have to love those two.  Soon the Tar Heels closed the gap, mainly behind the play of N'Dea Bryant. 

 

 

N'Dea Bryant: 13 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 2 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

That killer jump shot strikes again.  My favorite was the one she hit on the break to bring us to within four points and force Virginia into a time out.  She was in double figures yet again.  Loving her play.  She's really helping with the spacing around Stephanie Mavunga and it was a big help because Virginia was face guarding Allisha Gray and her touches were really limited in this one.

 

 

Allisha Gray: 9 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Limited touches and all, what I love most about Allisha is she will find a way to put a stamp on the game and help the team.  Rare she doesn't reach double figures; but there you have 8 rebounds from the guard position and those 4 assists, means she contributed to 8 more points going up for North Carolina without shooting the ball.

 

Jessica Washington: 5 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Nice steady game for Jessica.  She's looking really confident on the court and that can only be good for North Carolina.  I loved that three she hit in the corner.  Some say the best time to shoot that is after a loose ball.  Hillary Summers made a great play to save the ball from going out of bounds and Jessica caught it in stride and swished a three from the corner.  Some absolutely great work crashing the boards as well.

 

 

Jamie Cherry: 4 points, 1 rebound, 5 assists (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Jamie's shot wasn't falling in this game; but her passing was on point.  Five assists in a big ACC game, showing patience and good control.  This year's experience is going to really help her and North Carolina going forward.

 

 

 

Danielle Butts: 4 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Wow, the final regular season home game for our Power Pack.  Really going to miss her.  She stuffed the stat sheet in this game, was aggressive on defense and really showed her crazy vertical on that block.

 

 

Latifah Coleman: 4 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists, 3 steals (www.goheels.com)

 

Ah, this does not get any easier.  Latifah Coleman has worked and worked and worked.  I am not sure there's a more determined player on the defensive end of the floor especially. 

 



 

 

Brittany Rountree: 10 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Another senior and she's been playing with that sense of urgency you want to see.  Not just hitting three point shots but using her reputation as a three point shooter to draw her defender and go around them.  Just playing some really inspired basketball right now.  She's as steady as they come.  And she kept Faith Randolph from getting the ball and possibly getting off  a three pointer on UVA's last possession.

 





 

 

Stephanie Mavunga: 23 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 3 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

But the woman of the hour (the 2nd half) was a sophomore.  I should have known this was going to be a big game for her when she got a steal at half court and took it all the way for the lay-up.  That is skill at 6'4".  Even when they stopped her, she got some offensive rebounds.  She was just a force in this game, making 10 of 15 field goals including the game winner.

 



 

Virginia had tied the game at 70 with 22 seconds to go.  After a time out, North Carolina got the ball and as instructed at the 7 second mark, Latifah Coleman handed the ball off to Allisha Gray who dribbled off to her strong side to take the shot.  It missed.  There appeared to be contact; but it didn't shock me nothing was called.  There was just enough time for Stephanie to get the rebound and knock in the game winning shot.  Thankfully it was still relatively early as the kids and I surely would have woken the neighbors.  It was really great to see this scene after the game.

 

 

 

Carolina Victory (photo from www.goheels.com)

 

Well, after winning Senior night we are set to be the opponent on another team's senior night.  The next opponent and the last one of the regular season is the Duke Blue Devils who are having some challenges lately.  They went on a bit of a winning streak after the last game against UNC; but things have changed and they come into the game on Sunday having lost their last three games.  Hopefully this weather doesn't act up again and we make it over there. 

 

Until then,

Go Heels!