Off the cuff: Not to overplay the Carolina team vs. Blake Griffin angle but the first few minutes set the tone for the game. Six different Tar Heels scored Carolina's first six field goals. Meanwhile, the Tar Heels got up 21-10 with Griffin failing to score. If the Tar Heels weren't denying Blake the ball, they were doubling him and either making the shots tough for him or forcing him to give it to a teammate. Those Sooner teammates missed all nine first-half three pointers. The 23 first-half points were a season-low for Oklahoma. After Hansbrough picked up a foul 50 seconds into the game and another six minutes later, it looked as if it could be a long game for the Heels. Despite Hansbrough playing just nine minutes in the first half, the Tar Heels led by nine at the break. Even though he played 17 minutes in the second half, the 2008 player of the year was pretty much a non factor in the outcome. Coach Roy Williams says Hansbrough just wants to win. "That young man has been an incredible, incredible human being and an incredible player," he said. "If we win and he scores eight, he's going to be the happiest person in the gym. That's the way he is. He's interested in his team winning. He wants to do everything he can to help his team win." Now it's down to two more chances to win. If you'd like to sponsor this award-winning site, or agree or disagree with something written, please let me know by emailing me. |
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