ACC Roundup

If not at other times, when he's alone, P.J. Hairston knows the truth: a lot of it's his fault.

Yes, the NCAA rules are dumb. Yes a lot of it's ridiculous. But every organization has rules and you have to deal with them.

Hairston's behavior over the summer led directly to UNC's current struggles: with just one outside shooter in Marcus Paige, the Heels are much easier to defend.

Worse, UNC has a surprising absence of guys who can create their own shots. JP Tokoto should be able to do it before he's through but he can't now, at least not consistently. Brice Johnson is improving rapidly. But look down the roster and find someone who can take over the game. Kennedy Meeks? Johnson? Tokoto? Desmond Hubert? Isaiah Hicks? Joel James? James Michael McAdoo? Nate Britt?

You can imagine the impact that Ty Lawson would have.

UNC never would have lost to UAB with a sparkplug like Lawson or, for that matter with Hairston.

But lose they did.

UNC's production was primarily limited to Tokoto and Paige, who scored 16 and 13 respectively.

UNC was just 1-12 from three point range. Marcus Britt missed all six of his; only Tokoto managed to hit one. UNC got to the line just 11 times but finished 4-11, for a wretched 36.4%.

No rest for the weary: Michigan State is up next, and after a bon-bon with UNCG, welcomes Kentucky to town.

Since leaving NC State, Herb Sendek has basically refused any contact with State and even declined to take part in a documentary on State basketball. It's hard to blame him, given how the fans treated him.

Since 2010, Sendek has only played two ACC teams, Duke and Wake Forest, and both of those in early-season tournaments where he had no choice.

Same this time in the Wooden Legacy, where ASU played Miami for fifth place. Miami won down the stretch, after Jahii Carson missed a key layup.

It's a big win for a young Miami squad. Following it up with another over Nebraska would be impressive.

Cornell was no big deal for Notre Dame as the Irish won 101-67. Jerian Grant put up 20 as all of Mike Brey's starters scored in double figures.

The Irish hit 48% from behind the line and grabbed 43 rebounds. No big deal in this game, but it'd be great for the Iowa matchup.