North Carolina, feeling better after winning a couple of conference games and finally getting Cole Anthony back on the court, took a step back, falling to Boston College at home 71-70. (2/1)

Bouyed by the return of Anthony, who had 26 points on the night, UNC fought back from 10 down in the second half to lead 70-69 after Anthony tipped in a basket with 29 seconds left.

UNC's Brandon Robinson was called for a controversial foul defending a three-point shooter with 17 seconds to go. BC's Jared Hamilton hit two of the three to give the visitors the 71-70 lead.

The Tar Heels, without calling a timeout, had a chance to win the game but Anthony dribbled too long up top, trying to communicate with Garrison Brooks down low and wound up hoisting up a desperation shot that was well off.

UNC coach Roy Williams said that the team worked on the very situation at practice one day recently but that Anthony may have been working with the trainer at the time. "I wanted to get somebody to get the ball inside," Coach Williams said. "I wanted to attack where we would set an early screen."

Anthony didn't get the memo which could have been communicated during a timeout but the Tar Heels, as has been their modus operandi over the years, played out the last seconds rather than taking a timeout.

A switch to a zone defense late in the game seemed to rattle the Heels.

To make matters worse, Robinson sprained an ankle and fouled out on the previous play and wasn't available as the senior leader on the floor in the last seconds. Robinson, who has missed games and parts of games previously, is now likely to miss more.

There were 20 lead chances and five ties during the game - a game that the Tar Heels desperately needed and one most analysts picked as a win for Carolina before the season.

The Tar Heels, 10-11 overall and 3-7 in the ACC, now face four teams ranked in the Top 10 over their last 10 games of the season.

Boston College, led by Jared Hamilton's 18 points, improves to 11-11 overall and 5-6 in the league.

Carolina travels to Florida State Monday to play a Seminole team that is 10-0 at home this season.

Box Score

UNC's Cole Anthony, while rusty, returned after seven weeks to led the Tar Heels with 26 points. (UNC Athletic Communications)