Lucas: Rapid Reactions

By Adam Lucas

1. Wow, Cole Anthony.

2. And don't forget, that's an Atlantic Coast Conference win. Anthony's 34 points was the key in Carolina's 76-65 victory.

3. Anthony was simply sensational, setting the Tar Heel record for points in a freshman debut and barely falling short of Tyler Hansbrough's UNC freshman record of 40 points. Anthony's eleven rebounds also made him the first freshman to go for at least 30 points/10 rebounds since Hansbrough did it in that same game against the Yellow Jackets. Anthony tied for the lead in assists with five, meaning he led or tied the Tar Heels in points, rebounds and assists. Not a bad debut. Anthony hit six of his 11 three-points and 12 of his 23 shots.

4. Not that anyone needed evidence, but the 3:00 period late in the first half when Anthony sat on the bench was a nice reminder of his importance. Notre Dame went on a 12-2 spurt with Anthony seated, as the Tar Heels struggled to create offense and also created some easy Irish scoring chances with turnovers. He did not come out of the game in the second half, and probably won't spend much time seated the rest of this season. It was interesting that Roy Williams called a rarely used timeout with 6:06 left when Anthony looked a little fatigue, possibly to give him a quick rest rather than subbing him out.

5. A good sign: Armando Bacot showed the ability to get to the free throw line. Not as encouraging: Bacot struggled to convert at the stripe and finished 1-for-6 from the line. Bacot had five rebounds by the time he first subbed out at the 13:27 mark of the first half, but grabbed just one board the remainder of the period. He finished with eight rebounds, second only to Anthony's ten.

6. One of Notre Dame's primary principles is being careful with the basketball. An inexperienced Tar Heel team was unable to change that, as the Irish committed just six miscues. Carolina was more generous and trailed in the points off turnovers category, 18-7.

7. Anthony started the game wearing glasses, which he has been wearing regularly in practice for the last two weeks. The freshman prefers not to wear contacts when he plays, but is still adapting to the glasses. He ditched them early in the first half after a missed jumper.

8. Garrison Brooks quietly had a sensational defensive game against Notre Dame's versatile John Mooney. Brooks was all over the floor defensively and forced Mooney into a 5-for-13 shooting performance. It's a strong likelihood Brooks wins the defensive player of the game award from the coaches.

9. Carolina was beaten downcourt on defense too many times. That's largely the reason why they trailed in fast break points, 26-12, even to a slow-paced Irish squad. Roy Williams won't be happy with the turnovers (18) or trailing downcourt too many times.

10. Carolina is now 16-1 all-time in season openers under Williams, and 12-5 in ACC openers. This was the first ACC opener in a season opening game since Clemson in the 1966-67 season.

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University of North Carolina Athletics

Players Mentioned

Cole Anthony

Armando Bacot

Garrison Brooks

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