Lucas: Rapid Reactions

By Adam Lucas

1. Just your typical never-in-doubt-in-the-second-half 21-point biscuit-worthy blowout of a top-ten team at home in the ACC. In other words, don't underestimate that win.

2. The red-hot Virginia Tech start to the game now seems almost like a completely different game. The Hokies hit six of their first seven three-pointers but then made just five of their next 17 as the Carolina defense tightened up considerably.

3. One of the most encouraging factors of Monday's win was a key stretch during the first half. During a seven-possession span that saw the Heels go from up one to up ten, every offensive stat was recorded by a freshman. Nassir Little had a dunk, Coby White made a shot in the lane, White made a pair of three-pointers, Leaky Black made a three-pointer, Little drained a pair of free throws, and White made another three-pointer. Also in that stretch, White, Black and Little each had at least one assist, Black recorded a steal, and White had a block. They're good, folks, and they're young. They're going to get better.

4. White was terrific in almost every way, as he finished with 27 points and six assists...and he also found time to lead the team in rebounding with seven. Little had 23 points and even tossed in a couple of three-pointers to go with a couple of his usually spectacular dunks, and he finished second in rebounding with six. Don't expect to read many "What's wrong with Nassir Little" stories tomorrow.

5. One of today's safest bets is that Roy Williams will make a comment about everything looking better when the ball goes in the basket. The Tar Heels started just one for eight from the three-point line and finished 16 for 34. They handed out 24 assists on 34 field goals and committed a relatively meager 13 turnovers. Carolina even shot the ball well from the line, hitting 15 of 17 from the charity stripe. Game totals: 53.7 percent from the field, 47.1 percent from the three-point line and 88.2 percent from the line. That will win you a lot of games.

6. Seventh Woods had some momentum-changing defensive minutes in the first half. Woods was extremely active both on and off the ball and helped stem what had been a very hot Virginia Tech start to the game. The Tar Heels don't necessarily need Woods to score big points, but when he contributes with defense, he's doing exactly what Roy Williams needs off the bench. Woods had a couple rough possessions in the second half and was replaced by Black at point guard.

7. The freshmen will get most of the attention from this game, but don't underrate the contribution of Kenny Williams. The senior hit a couple of three-pointers, had four assists, drew a charge, and was almost constantly talking to his teammates and providing leadership.

8. Lots of Tar Heel alums on hand on Monday, including Mitch Kupchak, Buzz Peterson, Lennie Rosenbluth, Antawn Jamison, Phil Ford, Dave Hanners, Jawad Williams and Serge Zwikker.

9. Carolina continues to have an underrated and important home court advantage in the Smith Center. The Tar Heels have now won four straight games at home against higher-ranked ACC opponents, and seven of the last ten. The previous three are a victory last year over Duke, plus wins during the 2016-17 season against Florida State and Louisville.

10. Credit to the Smith Center maintenance staff for getting creative with the building's spotlights. Early arrivals to the game on Monday might have noticed that the spotlights now project the interlocking "NC" logo on the inside dome portion of the building. Those same spotlights are also part of pregame introductions.

11. Multiple unusual sneaker spottings on Monday night. The coaches were wearing sneakers with their suits as part of Coaches vs. Cancer. Roy Williams also wore a specially made tie for the occasion, and cheerleaders, band members and other spirit squad members also wore gold laces to honor those battling cancer. In addition, numerous players were wearing special pink Jordans in honor of breast cancer awareness. The band was fully in the spirit, as they were decked out in suits to go with their tennis shoes.

Players Mentioned

Leaky Black

Nassir Little

Coby White

Kenny Williams

Seventh Woods

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