The #23 UCLA Bruins came to Carmichael today. Coming off a tough season last year, the Bruins have probably the top recruiting class of 2014. They made the trip to the east coast to play two games. On Friday they were up ended by James Madison. James Madison is unranked; however, they are a good, well coached team. They almost made it to the Sweet 16 last season but lost a tough game to Texas A&M in College Station. All that said, it meant UCLA likely arrived today hungry trying to avoid heading back to the west coast after starting the season 0-2.
The children and I made the trip from Raleigh after attending church this morning. We arrived shortly after the start of the game and had our first look at our "home" for the season. I ordered 4 season tickets (1 adult, 3 youth) of the upper level sideline choice. I was really happy to have gotten my request for the first row in our section with 4 seats only. I spied the spot during a game last season and when the options for this year's purchase came out, I knew where I wanted us to sit. I really appreciate the spot. The view is good, we're a few steps from the concourse, and the children think it's really cool we have our own row.
When we arrived, the game was about 3 minutes old and North Carolina was up 9 to 5. We'd keep the lead throughout; but, it would grow and shrink. Several times, it grew to double figures. Then come those pesky folks that are out on the floor with the players. We know who they are. Some people who know me have heard me say I never like when a game has more fouls than minutes. In total, we had a whopping 46 today. UCLA had 27 and UNC was charged with 21 fouls. I remember though texting a friend at half-time: "They have called 26 fouls already." Now why was this significant?
That Girl is on Fire!
Allisha Gray: 19 points, 6 rebounds, 1 block (photo from www.goheels.com)
It would be an understatement to say she was hot today. She went 7 for 11 and 3 of 5 from behind the arc. One of those long balls was hurled at the basket with about 2 seconds on the shot clock and wow, the joy on her face was what college sports are about. She had to accomplish all of that in 21 minutes though because of foul trouble. She got her fourth with 16 minutes left in the game, which caused a literal eruption on the UCLA bench. No doubt they remembered her. She wasn't alone. Fellow starter Stephanie Mavunga had gotten her 4th foul just a few seconds earlier. So as many games as I have seen I knew they were done for at least 10 minutes of game time. But there's Chemistry, Experience, Leadership and Depth.
Leadership (and Experience) Steps Forward
Brittany Rountree and Xylina McDaniel were ready for this. They are two of our other three starters and they are both upperclassmen. One of several seniors on this team, Brittany stepped up big today. (photo from www.goheels.com)
Brittany Rountree: 17 points, 2 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 turnovers
Rountree came to UNC a sharpshooter; however, over the years has really evolved into a great defensive player and calming influence on the team. Her shot was falling today and she used her feet well on the defensive end. Most importantly she stayed on the floor and helped lead this team.
Xylina McDaniel: 16 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals (photo from www.chapelboro.com)
Can't say enough about how Xylina came through today. Her frontcourt partner saddled with fouls, they rotated our two Hillarys in and out (more on that later). But Xylina is the one who has played significant minutes since her freshman year. Now a junior, she's more aware than ever of the importance of staying on the floor. I was really proud of that effort today. She was still aggressive; but, keeping the situation in mind had a level of control that was exceptional considering how often that whistle was blowing today. She played 34 minutes.
Latifah Coleman: 2 points, 5 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers (photo from www.goheels.com)
Okay so Latifah's shot wasn't falling today; but, she really didn't take that many. But dishing out 5 assists and having an assist to turnover ratio of over 2:1 is what you want from your starting point guard. She's remained a 5th year after suffering a torn ACL earlier in her career to provide leadership for this team and she's embracing that role.
Yes, This Team Does Have Depth
When you have five players in double figures (and UNC did today) and two of them are not starters I consider that depth. When one of them is a freshman I consider it a gift. Counting the two exhibition games; Jamie Cherry has now scored double figures in every game this season.
Jamie Cherry: 10 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal, 2 turnovers (photo from www.goheels.com)
UNC's newcomer really appears to know her role. She also knows Carolina basketball. She keeps the tempo going and is not afraid to attack. In a game like today's that was especially useful. When the officiating is a bit tight, attacking the basket can get you where you want to go and along with everything else Cherry was a perfect 4 of 4 from the free throw line in her 10 minutes.
Jessica Washington: 10 points, 3 rebounds (photo from www.goheels.com)
North Carolina sophomore Jessica Washington whom I also call "Woman with Wicked Crossover" came in and provided some big shots today. A significant amount of her 16 minutes today she shared the court with Cherry, which is as young as our backcourt gets. She's calm out there though even when things don't go as planned.
We had several other players today come in and give good minutes. The stat sheet doesn't show everything; which is one of the many reasons I love to be there to watch these games. That's the way you really see how everything comes together and how everyone's contribution is needed for the team's success.
Megan Buckland: 1 rebound, 4 assists (photo from www.goheels.com)
In the installment focused on Megan's return I talked about how much her presence matters to UNC. We may or may not see huge numbers from her; but you'll know she was out there. Megan is a player you have to follow around just on reputation; so when she's cutting through the lane from corner to corner you better follow her. She took just a couple of shots today; but, dished out 4 assists in 10 minutes.
Stephanie Mavunga: 6 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 2 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)
It was kind of a tough day for our starting center. It was a physical game and she probably has some signs of it even now a few hours later. Even though the fouls piled up quickly, one of which she got hustling after a loose ball like players are taught from the first time they touch a basketball, she did quite a bit with her 18 minutes. But she'll just come out that much better next time. She comes across as such a student of the game. Thankfully, we have a couple of players in Hillary Summers and Hillary Fuller who came in and held down the fort for us. (photo on the left from www.goheels.com. Photo on the right from the Fayetteville Observer).
Part of Chemistry is everyone knowing their roles. With Stephanie Mavunga dealing with foul trouble, these two players came in and did what had to be done. They took up space, altered shots, set screens, got rebounds and made passing the ball inside difficult for the UCLA guards. Most of what they did doesn't show up on the stat sheet; but, rest assured someone on the UNC staff took note. I really appreciate how they stepped up today.
Everyone who was healthy took the floor today. Danielle Butts and N'Dea Bryant are the only two I haven't mentioned. Their minutes were limited today likely a decision based on the matchups in the game. When they were out there they used their athletic ability being pests on defense and getting rebounds. Overall a total team effort lead to North Carolina's second victory. Final: UNC 84, UCLA 68.
North Carolina pretty much controlled the game throughout; but, it didn't take away from the kids' reactions. AC was really into the game. She especially enjoyed seeing all 11 of UNC's 3 pointers that connected today. My son survived the day without his ear covers. Bad mommy left them in the van; but he was a great sport about it. He stood and cheered enjoying one of our season ticket holder lanyards we picked up today.
This game finished up UNC Homecoming 2014 for us. AC made her way down to get high fives from the team during their victory lap and as always came back with a huge smile. I'm grateful the children enjoy UNC. They love our adventures; plus, it's always nice to go home with a Carolina victory. Yay, my headphones really are still here!
Until next time...Go Heels!
No comments:
Post a Comment