The North Carolina Tar Heels used defense and a big game fromJoel Berryto beat the Pitt Panthers in the ACC Quarterfinals.
The North Carolina Tar Heels beat the Pitt Panthers for the second time yesterday to earn a spot in the semifinals of the ACC Tournament in Washington, DC. Theseventeen point 88-71 winwas just what the Tar Heels needed as it enabled them to play reserves for the last few minutes of the game so that the team would be relatively rested when they play Notre Dame tonight.
The victory over Pitt had some improvements over the last game with the Panthers. This time the Tar Heels were not outhustled on the boards or for loose balls.Brice Johnsonhad double digit rebounds and five blocks. Joel Berry had four steals and largely kept Pitt senior point guardJames Robinsonunder wraps.
Nor was the defensive effort limited to them.Isaiah Hickshad an emphatic block (and later a goaltending call trying to do the same thing).Kenny Williamswas used to track downJamel Artisfor a few minutes in the second half.
Artis started the game hot but adjustments kept him from keeping that up. The same was true for Pitt forwardMichael Young, who scored some buckets late in the first half but was held quiet during the second.
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In fact it is arguable that the game turned on a couple of good defensive possessions right at the first half. Creating turnovers and getting aMarcus Paigeblock resulted in a Tar Heel lead at the half instead of going in behind. That provided some confidence for the slow starting Heels.
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In the end it was a good start for Johnson (19 points), Berry (20 points), Hicks (10 points), and evenNate Britt(9 points). Paige hit a couple of threes including a big one to reclaim the lead in the second half.Justin Jacksonhad eleven points and helped attack the post. Williams hit his first three after passing one up to Berry earlier in the game.Theo Pinsondid not have much of a stat line, but he continued to be a strong defensive presence.
All in all, the Tar Heels played their best when they played their game. The 43% from the three point line was just the icing.
Next: Tar Heels to face Lovie Smith
Notre Dame will likely try to do the same things they did last game against the Heels, so a good defensive effort will be needed. Berry will need to guardDemetrius Jacksonsimilar to how he handled Robinson. The Heels will likely also experiment with smaller lineups so thatBonzie Colsondoes not burn them again in mismatches.
Of course you need not wait long for that, tip off is at 7:00 PM.
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