University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
UNC Wilmington
Tar Heels Win Tenth Straight
December 28, 2004 | Men's Basketball
Dec. 28, 2004
Box Score | Quotes | Photo Gallery
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - North Carolina coach Roy Williams had plenty to smile about after another lopsided victory. His players shared the ball better than ever, and they dug in with a defensive intensity they sometimes lack.
Still, some of Williams' happiness disappeared during a flurry of technicals after halftime when play turned a bit chippy.
"I was very disappointed with the way we reacted in the second half," Williams said. "That's the first time in my career I can remember three of my players getting technical fouls."
Jawad Williams scored a season-high 25 points and the fourth-ranked Tar Heels had no problems after a weeklong layoff, beating N.C.-Wilmington 96-75 Tuesday night.
Sean May added 16 and Raymond Felton finished with 12 points and 10 assists as the Tar Heels (10-1) won their 10th straight. In five home games this season, they have yet to trail.
May was whistled for one of the technicals, joining Melvin Scott and freshman Marvin Williams.
"I think we lost our cool a little bit, I know I did," May said. "They're a very physical team. They hit you any chance they get, just to get inside your head and get you out of your game. We just have to keep our composure a little better."
North Carolina made its first seven shots - including four 3-pointers - and led 19-3 barely 5{ minutes into the game. Another fast start after halftime stretched the lead to 67-35, and the Seahawks (5-4) never recovered.
ut the technicals, more than anything, got to Roy Williams.
"We're supposed to focus on playing basketball," he said. "I'll have to watch the tape to make a decision on how much we're going to run."
Ed Spencer had 19 for N.C.-Wilmington, which was playing without leading scorer John Goldsberry. He injured his right shoulder in the previous game, a 64-61 victory over Coastal Carolina, and watched this one with his arm in a sling.
Goldsberry's teammates sure could have used him, especially in the early going. Their first possession ended with a turnover, and the next one was even uglier.
With Beckham Wyrick trapped near midcourt, coach Brad Brownell called timeout, and then his team narrowly beat the 5-second count to get the ball inbounds. The Seahawks shakily ran their offense against North Carolina's trap until the shot clock finally ran out with Wyrick holding the ball about 30 feet from the basket.
That exemplified the Seahawks' struggles in the first half. They shot 37 percent, made 12 turnovers and were outrebounded 21-11.
"I don't think we got shellshocked or anything," Spencer said. "We just didn't get the start to the game that we wanted."
Meanwhile, the Tar Heels were cruising in front of a large crowd that included former Democratic vice presidential candidate John Edwards. With Jawad Williams and Felton combining to make 13 of 17 shots for the game, North Carolina shot 59 percent and finished with 28 assists on 30 baskets.
"I was extremely pleased with the way we played in the first half," Roy Williams said. "I think that's the best we've been as far as sharing the basketball. I think it was the intention of our team to do that. I thought we defended and caused some turnovers."
Felton started the run at the beginning of the game with a 3, then Jackie Manuel followed up a steal with a dunk. Jawad Williams and Rashad McCants connected from beyond the arc on consecutive trips, Manuel had another slam and Felton made it 16-3 with his second 3-pointer.
The Seahawks got back to 31-19 on a 3-pointer by Spencer but couldn't sustain the momentum. A 12-4 spurt to close out the first half - capped by Melvin Scott's long-range jumper - gave North Carolina a 54-26 lead.
"I was worried guys would maybe be a little rusty or tired," May said. "Everybody felt really good. We did a good job."
It got worse in a hurry when Jawad Williams and Sean May made the Tar Heels' first five shots of the second half, sending N.C.-Wilmington to its 24th loss in 25 games against teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Jawad Williams bit his tongue in the second half and wasn't able to take questions afterward, but he didn't need stitches and should be available Thursday night against Cleveland State.
T.J. Carter scored 12 points for the Seahawks.
"You have to give North Carolina credit," N.C.-Wilmington guard Taylor Lay said. "They came out and played great."
KEITH PARSONS
AP Sports Writer
