Oklahoma State is a member of the Big 12 Conference, which is historically really balanced with good competition during the season. I watched them quite a few times on television last season and found them to be a disciplined resilient group. I would see that more tonight as the Tar Heels threatened to pull away several times building double digit leads only to have Oklahoma State come right back.
The Not So Good?
First I'll get the hard part out of the way. So what didn't go well? Well, Oklahoma State scored 48 points in the 2nd half. UNC has scored 50 points in a half but I'm sure the coaches weren't thrilled with the opposing team scoring that many, especially since UNC scored 39. After Oklahoma State had just 9 field goals in the first half, they had 19 in the 2nd stanza. Oklahoma State was able to work the ball around to shooters more and when that didn't work, there was LaShaun Jones on the interior.
UNC also didn't shoot as well as they have been in previous games. It appeared from where I sat they sort of fell in love with the long ball and Coach confirmed that in the post game presser. The Tar Heels attempted 18 3-pointers in the first half alone. Now on Sunday those shots were going in; but I was happy to see them attack the basket more in the 2nd half, working the ball around and getting inside so at least the long shots were more open.
The Good
Now, what did go well? Thankfully a lot more than didn't. I mentioned Oklahoma State is a discipline team. North Carolina tonight had 18 assists on 30 made baskets and just 13 turnovers. The Tar Heels came out on top despite the game being played at a slower pace. Oklahoma State did a decent job of keeping the tempo where they wanted it. Despite the high score this was very much a grind it out affair. When shooting percentages aren't what you'd like, it tests a team's patience; but, the Tar Heels while they did take some quick shots in the first half, were much more patient in the second.
Experience, Chemistry, Leadership and Depth/Balance
You hope these show up every game. North Carolina again had five players in double figures. And for the third straight game, two of them were not starters.
Xylina McDaniel: 10 points, 10 rebounds, 3 Assists, 1 block, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)
Xylina has done a lot of hard work inside this season and she's doing the little things to help the team win. She's playing under control, moving inside and out and as a result filling the stat sheet.
Stephanie Mavunga: 18 points, 11 rebounds, 2 block, 2 steal, 1 assist (photo from www.goheels.com)
I knew Stephanie (Mavunga) would bounce back. After being limited to just 18 minutes of play on Sunday due to foul trouble, Stephanie came back tonight with 18 points. She played 30 minutes tonight and was in there for the critical moments to help secure the win. She got several big baskets late. It was in fact her on the other end of a sweet pass from Latifah Coleman to put in what ended up being the game winning basket.
Jessica Washington: 11 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal
Jessica came off the bench to provide some big baskets tonight. She's no doubt a shooter and we needed every one of those points. She did have a couple of tough plays; but, she'll learn from them. She's always trying to learn and improve and I love that about her. If the lights are on in Carmichael late at night, she's probably in there working on her game and I can see that in her shot this season.
Danielle Butts: 10 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist (photo from www.goheels.com)
Whenever this young woman enters the game, the energy in Carmichael Arena jumps up several notches. Rebounds, defense, hustle plays-whatever needs to be done, she's out there doing it. In just 10 minutes, she managed those numbers. She gives true meaning to the phrase "spark off the bench".
Latifah Coleman: 7 assists, 1 turnover (photo from www.chapelboro.com)
I know I started out talking about the five players in double figures and I've only mentioned four; but I had to slip this in first. With 7 assists, Coleman was responsible for at least 14 of North Carolina's points tonight. And with just one turnover, she wasn't giving Oklahoma State any additional possessions. I am just tickled with this effort against such a good team. In the end, with less than a minute to play and the score tied at 77, Latifah Coleman drove towards the hoop and when the defense collapsed on her, she went up and while in mid-air, found Stephanie Mavunga had (as you are supposed to do when the player guarding you leaves) slipped towards the goal and hit her with an amazing pass that resulting in the winning bucket.
Allisha Gray: 22 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)
Last year, the "Quiet Assassin", this year, not so much. The first few minutes of the game it was Allisha Gray 8, Oklahoma State 0. Allisha continues to come up big in this young season. She had her second consecutive 20 plus point game. And she's doing it with more than just the long jump shot, although she did hit three 3-point baskets in this game. The biggest of them had to be the one that reclaimed the lead when Oklahoma State had hit one to go up two with 5:40 minutes left. She had a lay-up on a set play, rebounds and put backs to score and jumpers inside of 15 feet to go along with three free throws. In the end, when Oklahoma State had one last chance and hurled the ball towards their basket in hopes of someone making a last second shot, Gray came up with the steal to secure the UNC victory.
North Carolina was favored I believe by 7 points in this game. When you consider the 4 or 5 points experts say home court advantage is worth, I guess the game went about as expected for some people. There is certainly plenty to take away from this game to help prepare for the next one. We have one of the best in the business at breaking down film in Coach Andrew Calder; so I'm sure likely as I type this he's beginning his analysis to prepare for the game against Oregon on Sunday.
Some nights are like this though. Some nights the win isn't comfortable. Some nights the other team is just scoring no matter what and you have to come through anyway. Some nights you have to just have to make enough big plays and UNC did that tonight. After Stephanie Mavunga's basket to put UNC up 79 to 77, the defense they played on Oklahoma State's next possession was outstanding, resulting in a tough shot that bounced off the rim. Brittany Rountree chased the rebound; but couldn't get it. What does she do? She puts herself in a stiff defensive stance and forces the turnover (the Oklahoma State player traveled.) My children were feeling it too. My daughter immediately asked for food after we left Carmichael. When I asked why she never asked while we were at the game it was. "I didn't get hungry until second half and I couldn't even think of leaving my seat then." My son just said, "Whew, close one mom!" Had this face most of the final minute.
The team is going to be traveling for a while and we don't have another home game until December 14th. They're headed to Oregon and then to Hawaii for a Thanksgiving tournament. Did I mention I am jealous? Hope the week yields lots of good basketball and good memories and smiles like these.
Most of all, of course safe travels, well played games and no injuries. Safe travels to all making trips next week. As always Go Heels!
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