ACC Basketball Recap: January 19, 2012
There were several big games on Thursday, January 19, 2012, for the ACC. Importantly for the ACC’s reputation, the favored team won all four games.
In the most anticipate game, #8 North Carolina rebounded from its debacle at Florida State by traveling to Virginia Tech to beat the reeling Hokies, 82-68. It wasn’t easy for the Tar Heels, who trailed by four at halftime. But a 19-0 second-half run turned made all the difference. Harrison Barnes led North Carolina with 27 points, while Josh Henson contributed 16 points and 16 rebounds. Erick Green was one of four Hokies in double-figures, leading the team with 17 points. With the loss, Virginia Tech falls to 11-7 and 0-4 in conference. With the win, North Carolina improves to 16-3.
In Durham, #4 Duke toppled Wake Forest 91-73 to maintain its perfect conference record. Andre Dawkins led the Blue Devils with 21 points, but Ryan Kelly and Austin Rivers each added 20 points. Kelly also added 10 rebounds. Wake Forest was overmatched by Duke’s depth and size. But four of its starters scored in double-figures, led by CJ Harris’s 20 points. With the loss, the Demon Deacons drop to 10-8 and 1-3 in conference. Duke improves to 16-2 overall, including 4-0 in conference play.
The other ranked ACC team, #15 Virginia, traveled to Georgia Tech and won big, 70-38. The Cavs suffocating defense held Georgia Tech is under 30% shooting on the night. They also out rebounded their hosts, 41-22. As usual, Mike Scott led Virginia with 18 points and 7 rebounds. Georgia Tech falls to 1-3 in conference and a disappointing 8-10 overall. Virginia improves to 15-2 overall, including a 2-1 conference record.
Finally, North Carolina State improved to 14-5 on the season by beating visiting Boston College, 76-62. Although Boston College struggled in non-conference play, the Eagles had some momentum heading into the game with a 2-1 conference record. But the Wolfpack and its home court advantage were too much. Scott Wood led North Carolina State’s balanced attack (6 players with 8 or more points) with 16 points. Richard Howell had 11 points and 16 rebounds–alone providing for North Carolina State’s 44-28 rebounding advantage. Boston College drops to 2-2 in conference play and 7-11 on the season. North Carolina State in now 3-1 in conference play.
Individual Leaders:
Scoring:
Harrison Barnes, UNC, 27 points
Andre Dawkins, Duke, 21 points
Ryan Kelly, Duke, 20 points & Austin Rivers, Duke, 20 points
Rebounds:
Josh Henson, UNC, 16 rebounds & Richard Howell, NCState, 16 rebounds
Ryan Kelly, Duke, 10 rebounds & Travis McKie, Wake, 10 rebounds
Assists:
Lorenzo Brown, NC State, 11 assists
Tyler Thornton, Duke, 8 assists & Kendall Marshall, UNC, 8 assists
Erick Green, Va Tech, 5 assists & Jontel Evans, UVA, 5 assists
The Confidential 