ACC Roundup - UNC Embarrassed By Michigan

In Turkey Day ACC action, Wake Forest knocked off Charleston 65-56, NC State fell to Memphis 83-78 and UNC was rocked by Michigan, 73-64.

And that was a very interesting game.

As we’ve seen before this season, UNC’s offense is currently limited other than Cole Anthony, and Anthony needs to have the ball a lot. UNC has been a tremendous rebounding machine though and close follow up baskets has to an extent compensated.

And as we’ve also seen before, in this game Anthony was responsible for a full third of UNC’s output and that is a problem for any team. Toss in the fact that he’s ball dominant and you can see where that could be a problem.

While you can see why Michigan could effectively defend UNC and hold them to just 64 points, it’s hard to see how UNC let Michigan go on a 19-0 second half run.

There’s no particular reason why UNC couldn't slow that run and when Williams put both hands on his head, helpless before the onslaught, the game was essentially over.

UNC did give Michigan and coach Juwan Howard a bit of anxiety at the end, cutting a 24 lead to eight with 2:47 left, but the Wolverines took care of business, and anyway, that takes you back to UNC’s limited options on offense. Eli Brooks hit a three with 1:12 left to put Michigan up 11 and UNC had no answer.

The Heels hit just 2-13 from three point range. Michigan hit 11-26.

NC State had an unfortunate first half against Memphis in New York, falling behind 55-39. State rallied in the second half and cut the lead to three with :59 seconds left.

Memphis hit a three though and State couldn’t catch up.

Keep in mind that the Tigers played without James Wiseman, under NCAA suspension, and guard Lester Quinones (hand).

They’ll get better even though bringing guys back into the lineup is disruptive. And so should State.

Could the Demon Deacons be waking up?

Wake is getting some outstanding play from Olivier Sarr. In his last three games he’s had 39 rebounds,36 points and eight blocks. Isaiah Mucius has had 20 boards and 21 points in his last two games.

Even better, they had to play some D to finish this game and that hasn't been a strong point lately.

Brandon Childress is a competent point guard so if Wake can get some good play out of a few other guys they’ve got a chance at a decent season. And the one thing that Manning has been able to do is to make young big men better.

The Deacs have an interesting stretch coming up with Long Beach State Friday, then Penn State, NC State and Xavier. We’ll have a better idea where they stand after those games.

On Friday, there are two really appealing games: UNC will play Oregon in the 3rd place game of the Maui Classic and Florida State gets Tennessee.

Thursday’s Results

• Memphis 83 NC State 78
• Wake Forest 65 Charleston 56
• Michigan 73 UNC 64

Friday’s ACC Action

• UNC vs. Oregon || 2:00 || ESPN2
• Wake Forest vs. LBSU || 5:00 || ESPN2
• Louisville vs. Western Kentucky || 5:00 || Nope
• Winthrop @ Duke || 7:00 || ACCN
• Florida vs. Tennessee || 7:00 CBSSN
• Penn State vs. Syracuse || 7:00 ESPN2
• Dismal first half sinks NC State against Memphis
• Michigan sends North Carolina into 3rd-place game in Bahamas
• Quick scout: No. 6 UNC vs. No. 11 Oregon. Everything you need to know about the Ducks
• Wake Forest wins first game in Wooden Legacy
• No. 16 Memphis beats NC State in Barclays Center Classic
• Brooks, Michigan upset No. 6 UNC 73-64 in Battle 4 Atlantis
• UNC comeback falls short against Michigan
• Mamadi Diakite meets young fan that shares his last name
• Bloodied, bruised Joe Girard struggled in first tough test
• Pitt is 6-2 and has won four straight. Its defense has been a big reason for that.
• Pitt wins Fort Myers Tip-Off championship with help from young talent