University of North Carolina Athletics
The Top Smith Center Moments
January 18, 2016 | Men's Basketball
By Adam Lucas
Today marks the 30th anniversary of the first game in the Smith Center. We're asking Tar Heel fans to vote on their favorite memories from the building. Please read through the following options and then rank your choices here.
1986: Smith Center opener
Thirty years ago today, the building opened with a showdown of undefeated and top-ranked Carolina against undefeated and third-ranked Duke. The game was the equivalent of the majestic new showplace, with the Tar Heels taking a 95-92 win.
1992: Bloody Montross
It's been lost to history that this was actually a terrific game, as the Tar Heels upended top-ranked, undefeated and defending national champion Duke, 75-73. What everyone remembers is the sight of Eric Montross at the free throw line with blood streaming down his face.
1992: Brian Reese's buzzer-beater
Often overlooked because of the thrill of the bloody Montross game in the same week, this was actually the biggest comeback in program history. Wake Forest led by 20 points with 14:49 to go and by 11 with 6:17 left. Reese's initial shot missed, but he rebounded and scored from 12 feet away at the buzzer for the win. More evidence of this game's overlooked status: we couldn't find video on YouTube. Here's the game in the ACC Vault.
1993: George Lynch's dunk against Florida State
The Tar Heels trailed the mouthy Seminoles by 21 points in the second half and by 73-54 with nine minutes to go. Dean Smith orchestrated a mammoth comeback, capped by Lynch's steal and dunk to give Carolina a 78-77 lead on the way to an 82-77 win.
2000/2014: Snow games
Weather has twice played a part in memorable Smith Center wins. In 2000, a huge snowstorm kept thousands of fans away from a game against Maryland, and the lower level was opened to anyone who could get to the building. In 2014, Duke was unable to navigate snowy roads, pushing the annual rivalry game back and resulting in a very rowdy crowd in what turned into a Tar Heel win.
2005: Marvin Williams' three-point play against Duke
In a breakthrough win for the Roy Williams era, Carolina trailed 73-64 with three minutes left. But the Tar Heels ended the game on an 11-0 spurt, highlighted by Williams' offensive rebound basket and free throw.
2006-2009: The Hansbrough collection
One of the greatest Tar Heels ever turned in several of his best performances at the Smith Center. In 2006, he set the Smith Center scoring mark and the ACC freshman scoring mark by hitting 40 points in a win over Georgia Tech. In 2007, he echoed Montross by sustaining a bloody nose against Gerald Henderson and Duke (and prompting some questionable commentary from Billy Packer).
And in 2009, the Hansbrough-led senior class played in one of the most memorable Tar Heel senior day games ever, besting seventh-ranked Duke, 79-71.
2015: Marcus Paige layup against Louisville
The Cardinals led 63-50 with 8:43 remaining, but Paige's scoop shot capped a furious rally as the Tar Heels upended No. 5 Louisville.
