I watched this game online on my phone while preparing goodie bags for my son's birthday party so since I did see it, I'm going to do this entry. (I didn't see the Oregon State game). So what went wrong?
Shooting
The Tar Heels shot just under 31% for the game. That's the second time that has happened this year and our second loss.
Pittsburgh shot relatively well in spurts whether it was an open shot or a contested one, a well balanced shot or a crazy prayer thrown up at the end of the shot clock after 28 seconds of admirable Tar Heel defense.
Rebounding
The Panthers outrebounded the Tar Heels 52 to 44 including 20 offensive rebounds that translated into 18 second chance points for them. Allisha Gray had 14 rebounds and Danielle Butts 8. No one else had more than 4.
Turnovers
North Carolina had 17 turnovers which Pittsburgh turned into 15 points. North Carolina on the other hand could only capitalize on Pittsburgh's 13 miscues for 7 points.
Fouls
Our friends in the black shirts got involved early and often and I could see there was some tentative play on the defensive end as a result of that. Pittsburgh is...at least they were last night, excellent from the free throw line. Free throws were not a huge factor in this one. Though the Panthers had 8 fewer fouls, more of their fouls were committed while North Carolina players were in the act of shooting so the attempts were close to even.
Star Power
Our guiding light and leader Stephanie Mavunga was significantly limited in this game. I know she missed her POC more than ever. Xylina not only wasn't going to play; she couldn't travel with the team. She and Stephanie have some pregame routine even with Xylina on crutches. On that note, I can't imagine the difficulty for McDaniel watching this one. Allisha Gray while she did make 2 three point baskets in the game (had not had one in the last two contests) was limited to 5 field goals.
So what went right?
In a game where you get beat by 25, the immediate answer that comes to mind is not much. I can say one thing. They fought. Bless them they fought. Down 27 points at one point, they clawed their way back to within 11 points, and a lot of that run was made with at least two bench players in the game. Unfortunately at that point, I believe Pittsburgh began to remember what happened when they had Louisville on the ropes in their previous game. They went on another run that put the game out of reach. But I can appreciate the fight the team showed.
Hillary Fuller got 13 minutes of playing time in this game. Since I believe she is a key to life without Xylina McDaniel, it was a good thing. She needs to gain confidence. Another key to adjusting without Xylina, Danielle Butts nearly had a double double and played well on defense. Just had a tough shooting night. Jessica Washington made 2 of her 3 shots, part of a 14 point effort from the Tar Heel reserves.
Allisha Gray got her third double double this season with 19 points and 14 rebounds. At her size that is quite a feat. She is deceptively strong.
North Carolina did come out on top in fast break points and bench points, and were even with Pittsburgh in paint points, steals.
The Breakdown
Stephanie Mavunga: 12 points, 4 rebounds, 3 blocks (photo from www.goheels.com)
Danielle Butts: 8 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals (Associated press photo)
Brittany Rountree: 6 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal (Associated Press photo)
Allisha Gray: 19 points, 14 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 1 steal (photo www.nj.com)
Latifah Coleman: 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block (Associated press photo)
What to take away from this one?
Well, we really can't afford to shoot below 35%, particularly from the outside. It makes it more difficult for Stephanie inside when that happens because outside shooting spaces the floor and keeps the defense honest so to speak. They can't cheat by packing in on Mavunga. They can't clamp down with a zone.
But there is really no time to dwell on it. Just a couple of hours after the plane touched down, the team and staff were back together for a film session and some running. There was also an afternoon practice after the players were done with class. As I'm typing we are less than 48 hours from the next game. The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are in Chapel Hill on Sunday. Have to bounce back quickly.
Go Heels!
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