ACC Roundup

It comes as no great surprise that Clemson lost to UNC largely because of free throw shooting: the Tigers were only 51.9%. As Barry Jacobs has previously noted, it's a real problem for Clemson. In this game, they missed 13. That's a real shame for Clemson, because they were UNC's match in every respect and superior in some. Despite the incomplete recovery of James Mays, between Mays and Trevor Booker, they roughed UNC up inside pretty thoroughly, frustrating Tyler Hansbrough.

Wayne Ellington had a brilliant night for UNC, and was the difference, with 36 points, and a clutch three pointer to win in overtime, 90-88.

Our guess, though, is that while Roy Williams will be happy with the win, when he sees the tape, he'll see that his team got out-toughed in many respects, that they let Clemson score 88 points, and that one player scored more than a third of their points.

UNC is shorthanded right now, and it's an impressive win in that sense: they overcame a lot. And that's the mark of a tough team. But they also showed they can be beat. Expect the conference to take note.

There's no question right now that Georgia Tech can be beat. Presbyterian, still brand new to D-1, was down 17 but bombed their way back into the game. The 1-17 Blue Hose have now challenged three ACC teams and deserve some respect despite their record.

• Rivers wants to prove he can do more than score
• Early returns: What we've learned about t ACC basketball so far
• ACC looks strong, and Tar Heels look the strongest of all
• Ellington Carries Heels To Stunning Win
• Clemson's upset bid falls short
• Second time's the trey
• Clemson evovles into a real hoops town