In Wednesday night ACC action, Florida State handled Miami, 80-67, Wake clobbered Georgia Tech, 87-69, Virginia Tech lost to suddenly-hot Virginia, 75-61, and UNC knocked off State, 89-80.
State was within three at halftime, but then UNC went on a 16-5 run, ultimately building up a 19 point lead. Great second half shooting: State shot 64.3%; UNC 62.5%.
The game also marked the return of freshman Tyler Zeller, who had been out with a broken wrist.
For all the criticism about Coach K's language, incidentally, Roy Williams is the one prone to curse pubicly. You may recall his "I don't give a shit about North Carolina right now" comment after Kansas lost the title to Syracuse. He provided a bookend in his presser when asked about his team's defense: "If I knew the answer to that do you think we'd still be [expletive] stinkin'?"
UNC fans would be wise to not criticize other coaches for the same issue.
Tourney hopes for Miami and Virginia Tech took massive hits as both teams lost huge games. FSU limited Jack McClinton to 13 points and with the win really should be in line for a bid. Not the 'Canes: a season that started with such promise now seems aimed at the NIT. It's an unfortunate turn of events for Frank Haith, who was/is seen as a rising star. His ascent is a bit delayed at present.
Virginia Tech lost a chance to move into a tie for second (a five-way tie!) and instead is looking up at six teams. Virginia suddenly seems to have pulled together - who could have predicted that?
Virginia Tech is 2-4 in their last six games, losing to Clemson, B.C., Maryland and now Virginia, beating only State and Georgia Tech.
Wake was upset in Atlanta when they last played Tech. Didn't happen this time, wasn't even close. Wake took control in the opening minutes and never let up. They dominated Tech from beginning to end. James Johnson put on a show for the NBA scouts present, dominating Tech with 24 points and 11 boards.