
File photo by Arianna Hoffmann
Barnes leads UNC in scoring with 17.4 ppg
The Heels almost never play effectively when both Tyler Zeller (5-for-11, 14 points) and John Henson (8-for-17, 16 points) shoot under 50 percent, so last night proved an anomaly from that respect as well.
And the big guys certainly did the job on the glass. Henson led the way with 16 rebounds and Zeller added 11, enabling UNC to smash Tech on the backboards 51-28. The Tar Heels almost never will lose a game — or even face a serious challenge — when they manhandle an opponent to that extent.
Three-point shooting has become a nagging concern, however. Carolina's effectiveness from behind the arc continues to sag, as Reggie Bullock (2-for-7) proved the culprit for last night's 29 percent mark from deep.
While the post-game mood brought smiles to faces in Chapel Hill and throughout Tar Heel nation, Dexter Strickland's knee injury brought a degree of somberness as well. Strickland stepped awkwardly while chasing a loose ball at full speed and crashed into an agonized heap. He said after the game that fear played a role in his reaction, but the bottom line is that his knee was very sore and tests may reveal serious damage. Fingers crossed.
Carolina gets a week off and hosts N.C. State next Thursday. Click here to view the UNC/VT box score.