When we arrived, that wasn't what I was expecting. We settled in about 20 minutes before game time ready for a battle. The teams spent the first few minutes feeling each other out; but I could tell the team was ready to defend. They were relentless, especially on the perimeter. That was big because State has several players that can light it up from deep. I was anxious to see how we would start out defending their shooters since East Tennessee State had hit five three pointers in the first half on Friday. I was happy with our defensive effort and grateful because we had a little trouble putting the ball in the hoop at times. Still UNC built a 14 point lead at one point and lead by 9 at half-time. 11 of 29 at that point; but what I loved was that most of the baskets had been assisted. NCSU had 1 assist for the half.
Gaining Separation
As the 2nd half started I hoped for a bit of a run. I love my team. They came with it. North Carolina went on a 20-3 run and took complete control of the game. Stephanie Mavunga was again just a force in the middle. Brittany Rountree was hitting long balls. Everyone was into it. I was about to send a Tweet; but then I caught my son's face after one of Rountree's shots. Got to love this little boy. I guess everyone was set on getting the win against State.
So how did this one shake out. I think I'm going to start with the woman in the middle. She had her 2nd straight 20 plus point game. She was just a force down low. There wasn't anything she didn't add to this game.
Stephanie Mavunga: 4 blocks, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)
Stephanie Mavunga: 23 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists (photo from www.goheels.com)
The 23 points was just 3 shy of a career high of 26, which is what she scored on Friday. The 5 assists was a career high and that is exciting because I'm sure teams will try to double her on occasion. There just wasn't anything NCSU could do with her today. Her footwork around the hoop, her length, her soft touch. It was all just too much. I believe she had 2 blocks on the same NCSU possession.
Allisha Gray: 13 points, 12 rebounds, 1 assist (photo from www.goheels.com)
Last year when we took the trip over to NCSU, Allisha Gray did lots of damage. I think they remembered. They were all over her for a while. She only took 3 long shots and they were further back than normal. But Allisha does what she does. She used her strength inside driving to the basket and crashing the boards. She used her length to defend shooters on the perimeter to contribute to UNC's defensive effort. That 12 rebounds is a career high.
Brittany Rountree: 14 points, 2 assists, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)
Brittany had a great stat line today. She hit four of the six three pointers she took today and that is huge for the senior and great for creating space for the Tar Heels on offense. But I remarked previously about what a great defender she is and where you look in the stat sheet to see that is the 18% North Carolina State shot from three today. They usually shoot more twice that percentage and she was a big part of that result. Just an elite level defensive player.
Jessica Washington: 8 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 block, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)
Yes, a block folks. And it was a beauty. I can't really say enough about how I appreciated the Tar Heels' defense in this game. More than that I can see Jessica gaining more and more confidence in her shot. She staying in it past the follow through and she's holding on to the ball.
Danielle Butts: 5 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks (photo from www.goheels.com)
Someone is going to sleep really well tonight. Are you ready for this? Up to 33 minutes in the game today. That was more than any other player on the team. Next was Brittany Rountree with 32, then Stephanie Mavunga with 30. Her field goals were worthy of a spot on a highlight reel; but like Brittany, the energy on the defensive end, particularly on the perimeter guarding NCSU's shooters was just amazing.
Latifah Coleman: 2 points, 4 assists, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)
I was just relieved to see Latifah out there today. I guess limiting her to 3 minutes against East Tennessee State was some kind of precaution, which I can certainly understand. I attribute some of the perimeter shots ETSU hit on Friday to her not being out there. 27 minutes today and the defensive pressure was huge. She's just so great at staying low and keeping her player in front of her and is really the leader of that perimeter defensive effort and I think her presence lifted the team on that end of the floor.
Significance of this Win
I'm so happy to have this win. It's great to start off conference play this way, especially considering how well the team played on both ends of the floor. Every win you can get in conference play is vital and it's super important to protect the home floor. We're halfway to the sweep of the Wolf Pack and that's great against the in state rival. The ACC though is a tough conference so the confidence boost that comes from starting out with a victory as they continue to adjust to playing without Xylina McDaniel will hopefully carry them as they move forward.
Next
Next up is a road game against what appears to be a much improved Pittsburgh team. Last place last season (or close to it) they have some good wins this season. The Heels will need to build upon everything they learned during that tough non-conference schedule. It's like a new season now. But our team knows how important it is to stay focused.
Note
I would be remised if I didn't mentioned how saddened I am at the passing of fellow Tar Heel Stuart Scott. The game started with a moment of silence. I was alerted this morning when my phone let me know a significant number of people I follow had retweeted a photo. I tapped the notification to find a photo of Scott with the notification. I will miss him. I can only ask that God's comfort surround his family, friends, colleagues and all Tar Heels now. He was a great man. His legacy will live on. Rest in peace Stu.
As Always,
Go Heels!
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