Lucas: Rapid Reactions

By Adam Lucas

1. Well, at the same time you just can't believe it, you can totally believe it. Virginia wins on a buzzer-beating three-point shot, 64-62.

2. It looked for all the world like Carolina was finally going to get that elusive close win. The Tar Heels hit five clutch free throws in the final 70 seconds, got some solid late game execution when the Wahoos stopped a play being run for Christian Keeling and Cole Anthony scored instead, and even got a huge defensive stop when they forced a Virginia shot clock violation with under two minutes to play. And still, the Cavaliers prevailed on a Tomas Woldetensae three-pointer, his sixth of the game.

3. Carolina played about as well offensively in the first half as they have in several years against the Cavaliers, shooting 56.5 percent from the field and connecting on 12 of 19 two-point shots (against a Cavalier defense that ranks fifth in the country in two-point field goal percentage defense). The only blemish on the offensive performance was the Tar Heels' ten turnovers, nine of which came in the first 10:30 of the half. Take those miscues away--half of which came from the post duo of Garrison Brooks and Armando Bacot--and it's likely Carolina could have built a significant halftime advantage rather than being tied at 28. Two of those turnovers came in transition as Carolina squandered fast break advantages that are precious against the Cavaliers.

4. Carolina finished at 50 percent overall from the field and committed 15 turnovers. Another problematic stat: the Tar Heels only got 29 minutes from the bench (Justin Pierce and Andrew Platek were the only reserves who played) and were outscored 17-0 in bench points.

5. As Roy Williams continues to search for the right mix, he moved Christian Keeling into the starting lineup. The graduate transfer continued to be a marksman in the midrange, hitting a couple of first half jumpers. Keeling finished with 11 points, combining four midrange jumpers with those three big free throws.

6. Garrison Brooks had one of his best recent offensive games, shooting 9-for-14 from the floor and scoring 20 points. Brooks was just 1-for-4 from the free throw line (Carolina was 9-for-14 as a team) but played a team-high 36 minutes and also showed a rapidly developing midrange touch. He also tossed in a three-pointer at the shot clock buzzer with 8:35 left that felt like a big shot at the time, and had one of the most ferocious dunks of the year.

7. Brandon Robinson missed his fourth straight game as he continues to nurse an ankle injury suffered while committing a "foul" against Boston College. The senior did dress out and came out in pregame to do a few light warmups, but was unavailable to play unless it was an emergency.

8. A halftime ceremony honored Willie Cooper, who casual Tar Heel fans might not know. Cooper was a member of the Tar Heel freshman team during the 1964-65 season, making him the first African-American basketball player at UNC. He received the Trailblazer Award from the Carolina athletic department.

9. Earlier in the game, a separate ceremony recognized Luke Maye, who received the Patterson Medal for his extensive achievements during his four years as a Tar Heel. Maye is averaging 11.3 points and 7.7 rebounds per game for the Wisconsin Herd in the G League. Maye was joined in the baseline seats by Kenny Williams and Cameron Johnson. Walter Davis was also in the crowd.

10. Good recognition by Cole Anthony in the final minute of the first half, as he drove the ball straight to the basket with approximately 45 seconds in the half, creating a two-for-one scoring opportunity. Anthony scored, the Tar Heels got a stop, and Andrew Platek had a shot with seconds remaining to give Carolina a halftime lead. Even though the shot missed, it was good execution in that situation. Carolina was not quite as efficient in almost an identical spot in the second half, but the way the game unfolded, it didn't make a big difference.

11. Carolina had just six assists in the game at Charlottesville but was much more cohesive offensively in the rematch, tallying 14 assists on 25 field goals against a Virginia defense that is stingy in that department.

12. Virginia's doubleteams in the post were a problem for Armando Bacot, who committed five turnovers, but he did great work on the backboards, hauling down fully half (16) of Carolina's 32 team rebounds. The Tar Heels outrebounded Virginia, 32-26.

13. Virginia has now won the last six in the series and nine of the last 13 against Carolina. The Tar Heels' six straight losses in the series is their longest streak since a seven-game slide from 1911-16. Prior to tonight, the Cavs had never defeated Carolina in back to back games at the Smith Center.

14. Coming into this season, Carolina had three one-possession home losses combined in the last five seasons and just five one-possession home losses since the 2010 season. The Tar Heels have lost their last three home games in one-possession decisions and have four such losses this season alone.

Players Mentioned

Cole Anthony

Armando Bacot

Garrison Brooks

Cameron Johnson

Christian Keeling

Luke Maye

Justin Pierce

Andrew Platek

Brandon Robinson

Kenny Williams

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