Lucas: Rapid Reactions

By Adam Lucas

1. Roy Williams hinted after the Virginia game it was time to make some changes, and it didn't take him long. Cam Johnson got the start over Garrison Brooks and the Tar Heels played one of their best offensive halves in ACC play on the way to a 50-35 lead before a 96-66 win over Boston College.

2. Luke Maye hadn't shot well recently, but was on fire in the first half, notching a double-double before the 1:30 mark and eventually piling up 21 points and ten rebounds in 18 minutes of action in the first half. The junior also played with noticeably more energy--perhaps spurred by his early success--and was actively clapping and waving his arms after big Tar Heel baskets. Maye's energy helped dictate the rest of Carolina's play, and he finished with career highs in both points (32) and rebounds (18) in 33 minutes of play. His night ended with fellow junior Kenny Williams jokingly fanning him with a towel when Maye exited the game for the last time.

3. Maye scored in basically every possible way. He made four three-pointers, scored on post moves, drove to the basket from behind the three-point line, converted layups, and even tossed in a couple sweet baseline turnaround jumpers. Basically, it was the full Maye offensive arsenal that we saw for the first month-plus of the season.

4. While Maye was filling the box score, Johnson quietly had his best offensive half as a Tar Heel. The Pitt transfer scored the first basket of the game on a dunk follow and was much more active on the boards (he had seven in the first half, meaning he nearly had a season-high in just 15 minutes of play). He made himself hard to guard on offense, constantly cutting and curling, in an encouraging performance for the rest of the season. Johnson posted his first double-double as a Tar Heel, notching 14 points and 11 rebounds. If the Tar Heels are going to play the smaller lineup more frequently, Johnson's rebounding will be essential.

5. Boston College's willingness to push the tempo enabled Carolina to get the fast break going more efficiently than any other game in ACC play. The Tar Heels had a 19-2 edge in fast break points, and were also far more efficient converting turnovers into points. Boston College committed just five, but UNC got nine points off those five miscues.

6. The flip side of the new starting lineup was also a tighter rotation. Three reserves eventually nudged their way into double-figure minutes (Garrison Brooks, Jalek Felton and Sterling Manley) but a couple of those individuals only made it to that mark because of the blowout nature of the game.

7. Carolina held a whopping 58-23 edge on the boards and a 48-18 advantage on points in the paint. In other words, even playing smaller, the Tar Heels completely controlled the area around the rim. Now, the question becomes whether they will be able to sustain it with this lineup against some of the more physical teams in the league. Saturday's opponent, Notre Dame, is without Bonzie Colson, which is unfortunate for the terrific Colson but much better for Carolina's smaller lineup.

8. The way the Smith Center video boards and PA recognize former players who are in attendance is a big improvement. Mitch Kupchak and Dave Hanners both got a big hand when they were both shown on the board and announced on the PA during a timeout. It's a very nice touch and is a reminder of the family atmosphere that makes Carolina special.

9. The Tar Heels also did a better job holding on to the ball. Three days after committing 19 turnovers at Virginia, Carolina coughed it up just eight times against the Eagles.

10. Carolina's ball movement was terrific. Instead of one individual being the key to the movement, it was a team effort. Johnson and Theo Pinson each had five assists, and the starting five had 18 assists and just four turnovers. There were several highlight reel plays, including Pinson's over the head dish for a dunk and Johnson's bounce pass to Garrison Brooks for a jam.

Players Mentioned

Garrison Brooks

Jalek Felton

Sterling Manley

Luke Maye

Theo Pinson

Kenny Williams

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