North Carolina Goes to 2-0
Perhaps you were wondering whether the 2011-2012 North Carolina Tarheels could win an indoor game? The answer to this silly question is “yes.” Admittedly, today’s win over North Carolina-Asheville tells the country absolutely nothing. At least nothing it did not already know. Frankly, even if they had lost, that would not have caused anyone to move them out of their Final Four projections.
But just look what they overcame. Less than 48 hours after playing a first-of-its-kind game on an aircraft carrier… outdoors… in the twilight… with no student section… with the President making a pregame speech and watching… against physical Michigan State… they hopped a plane and played a road game against North Carolina-Asheville. Had the Tarheels lost, there would have been a built excuses. But they won.
The easy post-game review is to credit Harrison Barnes, Tyler Zeller, and John Henson for scoring 64 of the 91 points. But take a look at what Kendall Marshall did. 15 assists! All too often, talented teams suffocate under the pressure of keeping everyone happy. If Marshall is willing to keep the big 3 happy by dishing the ball, that will only add to the dangerousness of this team.
If someone wants to nitpick, they can point out that Marshall had all but one of the team assists. Or that the team had 17 turnovers against an overmatched foe. But most elite teams don’t even play road games against this type of foe, so The Confidential is more inclined to simply give credit where it is due.
What do you think–is there ANY reason for North Carolina to not be #1 in the country right now?
The Confidential 