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Off the cuff: It was surprising to see State fans starting to leave the game with more than three minutes to play and the Heels up by 10.

After all, Carolina has lost similar games this season and the Wolfpack has an impressive 11-1 record at home.

UNC's Garrision Brooks and Coach Roy Williams each talked about the tough, hostile environment. I suppose it was for most of the game but the Pack fans packed it in early.

Despite Carolina missing the front ends of three straight one-and-ones and missing five free throws in a row, Pack fans kept leaving.

In thinking about it more, it kinda makes sense. State wasn't showing any signs for hitting long shots to get back in it plus the fans have seen this movie before and they probably didn't want to be there to see the Carolina blue celebrate once again on their floor.

Carolina has won 25 of the last 28 games between the two teams.

It was a good, competitive game but Carolina didn't look like a team that was going to give up the lead on this night and State didn't look like a team that was going to take it away from the Heels.

Despite winning only two of the last four games, Carolina has looked good for much of each of those games.

They are still without guard Cole Anthony and, for this game, they were without guard Jeremiah Francis. During the game, Leaky Black was banged up and Brandon Robinson was banged up even more.

Robinson left the court with an ankle injury and then left again later after getting hit in the ribs. I'm assuming he doesn't have broken ribs or the staff wouldn't have allowed him back in the game. But, whatever the issue, he was playing with pain and seemed incompacitated at times.

Hopefully that won't be a lingering issue as Robinson was key, not just because of scoring 11 points but for his leadership, inspiration and calming effect.

Tar Heels 75, N.C. State 65
Carolina guts out big win at NC State

North Carolina, hobbled by injuries and playing at a rival's home court where N.C. State has won 11 of 12 games this year, gutted out a big 75-65 win over the Wolfpack. (1/27)

UNC's Brandon Robinson twice went to the lockerroom during the game with different injuries and played through pain, hitting four straight free throws late to wrap up the game.

There were 13 lead changes and three ties in the first half before the Tar Heels got some separation at the end of the first half and the beginning of the second half.

Garrison Brooks scored 17 of his game-high 25 points in the first half, including a put back at the buzzer to give Carolina a 39-35 lead at the break.

UNC coach Roy Williams said the game plan was to get the ball to Brooks as much as possible. State coach Kevin Keatts said of Brooks, "he completely kicked our butt."

An 8-3 run at the beginning of the second half, which included six points by Brooks, put the Heels up 47-38, the biggest lead for either team at the time.

A bucket by State's Devon Daniels and a couple by Markell Johnson helped the Wolfpack pull within three points.

A pair of mid-range jumpers by transfer Christian Keeling and a three by transfer Justin Pierce put the Heels back in control. A couple of free throws by Robinson gave Carolina its biggest lead of the game at 63-52 with 8:54 to go.

State didn't fold however as D.J. Funderburk got loose twice and Daniels once to whittle the lead to just four at 65-61.

UNC's Andrew Platek hit a long two, passing up a contested three, and later blew by State defenders for a layup on a drive that started at midcourt. That put the Heels up 71-61 and the Wolfpack never threatened again despite the Tar Heels missing five straight free throws.

It was the 12th time in the last 14 games between the two teams that Carolina has come out on top. In fact, it was the 31st time in the last 35 games that has seen the light blue beat the red.

"We caught them on a night that the ball didn't go down for them," Coach Williams said. "We got the ball to Garrison and he made enough plays for us."

Carolina improves to 10-10 and 3-6 in the conference while State, led by Funderburk's 18 points, falls to 14-7 and 5-5 in the league.

The Tar Heels return home Saturday to play Boston College at 5 p.m.

Box Score


UNC's Garrison Brooks led the Tar Heels with 25 points and 11 rebounds. (UNC Athletic Communications)


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