Now what I haven't mentioned is I love the introductions. The music really goes with the video really well and I love the music. My daughter does too; but she often mentioned how she missed seeing that train they used in the introduction video a couple of seasons ago. The Carolina blue train runs through campus at a fast pace and then burst through an image of the opposing team's logo. The train made a surprise (to us) appearance today. Man was she happy.
As the game got started I knew what to expect from Boston College. And they went right at it. They hit six three point shots in the 1st half. North Carolina played aggressive and kept attacking the basket, which was good because the three pointers weren't falling today. That aggressive play paid off in some foul trouble for Boston College. But I also was right about Stephanie. She had 13 points at halftime. We had another player in double figures by halftime. N'Dea Bryant had 10 points in the first half. Still the three point shot is a nice equalizer. At the half, Boston College (thanks to a last second shot) had a 2 point lead at the intermission.
The halftime entertainment was great. The group called acrodunkers entertained us with some great stunts. www.acrodunk.com. I couldn't get any really good pictures. The only thing I don't like about our seats is that the area in front of them is for some reason a prime spot for people to stop and have random conversations.
As the second half got started I hoped for one of the classic Carolina bursts; but it didn't happen. The game remained close because with their success shooting the 3 point shot in the first half, Boston College had effectively spaced out North Carolina's defense and began making a few shots inside the arc. They also went to a zone defense which protected their foul plagued players and made it a bit difficult to get the ball inside. The folks in the striped shirts also apparently decided to even things out in the fouls called because Allisha Gray and Brittany Rountree each picked up 3 fouls in what seemed like two minutes of playing time. Boston College was having significantly less success behind the arc in the second half and Brittany Rountree's defense was a big reason for that so when she went to the bench with her 4th foul, it was trouble. Boston College was in the bonus and there was a parade to the free throw line. Suddenly the Tar Heels were down by 8 points. Then a couple of things happened.
One: The Tar Heels made a much more concerted effort to get the ball inside despite the zone defense. They moved the ball around with much more precision and then someone would take the ball and attack the zone off the dribble. Generally it was Allisha Gray. She was too fast for them and nearly set a record with the number of trips to the free throw line she had. Stephanie Mavunga also got some big baskets and got some more fouls on the Eagles. The second thing? Jamie Cherry happened.
Jamie Cherry: 2 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)
It doesn't show on the stat sheet; but the best way I can say it is, the young lady brought the heat. They call it being a pest on defense I think because it is like when a gnat is after you in the summer and no matter what you do, it just stays in your face. That is what Jamie did to the Boston College guards. There was a sequence of multiple Boston College possessions where she disrupted everything they wanted to do. She caused a player travel, drew a charge on another, got a offensive blocking call on another player who was trying to set a screen on her. She was diving on the floor. Just going after everything. Took the energy on the defensive end to another level. I'm really grateful she was ready today. An early game collision with Danielle (Butts) had Latifah (Coleman) not quite at her best I think.
The Tar Heels went on a run and it wasn't long before the game was tied. The lead seesawed back and forth until it was tied again at 60. Then a timely 3 pointer from Jessica Washington gave us the lead for good with about seven minutes to go. That started a 12-0 North Carolina run. Boston College didn't score again. Final: North Carolina 72, Boston College 60.
This was a tough shooting day for North Carolina; but a much better percentage than in the Duke game. Plus they were a little rusty because the team got some much needed rest during the week between games. There wouldn't normally be an opportunity for this type of time off until after the ACC tournament so I'm glad they were able to take advantage of it. I know several players had some aches and pains hampering them. So here's how it went down.
Stephanie Mavunga: 25 points, 14 rebounds, 1 block, 1 assist, 2 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)
Stephanie Mavunga will likely end up being one of the most memorable Tar Heels for us. She's big on the court and has the personality to match. She used her size to contribute in every area of the game today and always full of surprises, answered the first question she got in yesterday's press conference by placing her water bottle to her lips and with a straight face saying, Um...well? I'm just here so I won't get fined." Let me just say I was in no way ready for that. My daughter who had no idea of the origin of the quote (Seattle Seahawks' Marshawn Lynch who hates press conferences) even got a good laugh. Still laughing about it this morning. She seems to be in every single press conference this season so I shouldn't be surprised she shook it up a bit. Proof life doesn't always have to be so serious, even in high level Division I college athletics.
N'Dea Bryant: 13 points, 7 rebounds, 1 block, 2 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)
It is great so many people are seeing what this young lady is capable of now. North Carolina will be that much more formidable when at full strength again. N'Dea is bringing it each game now. I can see her confidence rising and she mentioned as much in the post game press conference. It's the first one I've seen her do. The 13 points was a season high.
Allisha Gray: 15 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)
I often say of Allisha that she isn't going to let a tough shooting day stop her from helping the team. So how does a player get 15 points when just two baskets went down? They keep attacking. They move around, they use their quickness, they crash the boards. They just keep going and that is what Allisha (Gray) did in this game. Most importantly she looks to be feeling better. That leg injury that occurred during the Notre Dame game has had her in some type of brace ever since; but she wasn't wearing it yesterday.
Brittany Rountree: 5 points, 3 assists, 2 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)
Brittany hit a couple of big shots for us yesterday; but it was the other things I noticed more. She played really well on defense (even though the folks in the striped shirt didn't agree) and was a big reason Boston College only hit 2 three pointers in the 2nd half after hitting six during the first. And she continues to find players in scoring position from the two guard spot.
Danielle Butts: 6 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)
Danielle showed a lot of toughness in this game. After that early game collision with Latifah (Coleman) she needed ice for an area around her neck pretty much every time she came out of the game. Still managed great numbers to contribute in this one. One basket was on a fast break after a North Carolina steal where she caught the ball in stride as it came down over one shoulder and laid it in without a dribble.
Jessica Washington: 4 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)
It was a quiet game for Jessica if you look at the box score; but she hit a huge shot with 7 minutes to go that as I mentioned gave us the lead and started a 12-0 run for North Carolina. She also came in when Brittany was in foul trouble and gave us some good minutes. She also drew some fouls on Boston College by aggressively attacking the basket on offense.
Latifah Coleman: 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)
The senior probably had a massive headache; but in a game where perimeter defense was as important as it was in this one I have to acknowledge her work. She aims to be the hardest worker on the floor and often is even though the numbers may not show much; but getting those rebounds gave the Tar Heels much needed possessions, she had 3 assists to 1 turnover and getting a block at her size is impressive. It happens more often than you might think it does.
So the walk back to the van was a happy one once again. This was the last "Sunday Funday" of the season. I think the children enjoyed those and I hope they continue in the coming years. Hard to believe we are down to four remaining home games. Some days it seems the season just got started. It's going by fast; but we are trying to enjoy every minute even small ones like these. We've had some beautiful days.
Next the Tar Heels have back to back road games. Before the next game in Carmichael, they visit Syracuse on Thursday. The Orange have been tough; especially at home. On Sunday, they are on the road at Virginia Tech. The Hokies have struggled more than anticipated; but have also played well at home. Every win is important and any win on the road is a big one in the ACC. Here's to safe travels and well played games.
Until next time,
Go Heels!
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