University of North Carolina Athletics
On This Day in Carolina History
June 21, 1999 | General
1981 -- Wood Sparks Wins Over Wildcats
North Carolina outscored Kansas State, 12-2, over the last 3:40 of the first half and went on to defeat the Wildcats, 82-68, in the finals of the NCAA Tournaments West Regional at Salt Lake City.
That late first half spurt gave the Tar Heels a 42-29 halftime lead. Kansas State would never get closer than nine points in the second half.
Al Wood, a 6-6 forward who was best known for his great shooting touch, was the big Tar Heel star. He finished with 21 points, hitting 10 of 17 shots from the floor, but also grabbed 17 rebounds. Sam Perkins added 16 points and 11 rebounds, while James Worthy had 15 points and five assists.
With Carolina leading 30-27, it was Wood who started his teams late first half run with a three-point play. Jim Braddock hit from the top of the key, Matt Doherty scored on an offensive rebound and Wood drilled a long jumper. Perkins completed this stretch by taking a pass from Worthy for a dunk and adding a free throw when he was fouled on the play.
Rolando Blackman had 21 points for Kansas State and got 15 of those in the second half. It was Blackman, forward Ed Nealy and reserve Fred Barton who got the Wildcats to within 71-62 with 3:04 in the game.
But, Jimmy Black and Worthy each hit a pair of free throws and Worthy had a steal and dunk in the next minute to put the Wildcats away.
