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. |
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