North Carolina Wraps Up ACC Regular Season Title
The game of the day in the ACC on March 3, 2012, was the matchup between #4 Duke and #6 North Carolina. Both teams were tied for #1 overall in the ACC with their identical 13-2 conference records and 26-4 overall records. But North Carolina dominated Duke on Saturday, winning 88-70.
Not only was it an 18-point victory, but North Carolina led by 24 at the half. The Tar Heels out-rebounded Due–normally a good rebounding team–42 to 22. North Carolina shot 54.5% from the field and limited Duke to a mere 41.3%. As is the case whenever Duke is at home, the Blue Devils had more free throw attempts than the visitor. But Duke only made 57.1% of their attempts, compared to North Carolina’s 80%. Simply domination.
The numbers jump off the page. All five North Carolina starters finished in double-figures:
- Kendall Marshall: 20 points, 10 assists, 4 rebounds
- Tyler Zeller: 19 points, 10 rebounds
- Harrison Barnes: 16 points, 4 rebounds
- John Henson: 13 points, 10 rebounds
- Reggie Bullock: 12 points, 6 rebounds
While North Carolina’s depth is questionable, no team has five starters that can do that kind of damage. With a nice showing in the ACC tournament, the Tar Heels may yet end up with a #1 seed.
For Duke, it is a disappointing effort ending an otherwise decent regular season. There have to be concerns about the defense. But this is a Duke team that lost to Florida State and Miami at home. Mason Plumlee had 17 points, while Miles Plumlee added 16 points and 11 rebounds. Austin Rivers also had 15 points. All told, losing to North Carolina in this fashion is not as disturbing as North Carolina’s undressing by Florida State. This is not a vintage Duke team, but it can do some damage in March.
The Confidential will have a weekend recap Monday morning…
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