In big games, teams rely on their top guns to make the big plays at the crucial moments. But the difference between winning and losing often centers on a team's ability to perform the little things. And the source of these overlooked aspects can often originate from unexpected places.
"Big things happen when you do little things, and we did those things in the second half that made a big difference," North Carolina head coach Sylvia Hatchell said after the Tar Heels' 87-73 win over the women's basketball squad Saturday at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
As expected, the Tar Heels' All-Atlantic Coast Conference center Tracy Reid chipped in 26 points and 11 rebounds en route to the UNC victory. After all, Reid does that to everyone-she has already recorded eight double-doubles this season.
Duke, however, did not expect a 5-foot-7 Tar Heel bench player to score 17 points, grab six rebounds, dish out three assists, snatch three steals and commit zero turnovers on 6-of-8 shooting. But sometimes, it is the unknown bench player that can lead a team to victory. And UNC junior Jessica Gaspar definitely picked a big moment to shine.
In the second half, when the tension was mounting, Gaspar hit two threes and a layup. And when it came time for the Tar Heels to ice the game, Gaspar converted both ends of a one-and-one.
"Jessica Gaspar was the one who really gave them a lift that you normally don't see," Duke coach Gail Goestenkors said. "She's a good player and really does a good job for them, but I thought she really stepped forward today and hit some big shots."
With the Blue Devils now forced to divert some of their defensive resources to stop this pesky guard from North Dartmouth, Mass., their defense opened up and Tar Heel forward Chanel Wright contributed six more points than her season average.
"When they have numerous people who are scoring, it's really tough to defend," senior Duke point guard Kira Orr said.
Duke's troubles were not limited to guarding Wright and Gaspar. The Blue Devils also struggled throughout the game on the boards, including some crucial moments late in the game. With 3:04 remaining in the game and Duke trailing by five, Reid failed to convert the free-throw end of a three-point play. But UNC gathered the rebound and the Blue Devils fouled Wright on the next shot. Wright nailed both free throws, giving the Tar Heels an imposing seven point lead. Two minutes later, Duke experienced a little dej- vu, as UNC grabbed another offensive rebound following a missed free throw attempt.
"They are relentless on the boards," Goestenkors said. "Coming into the game, we knew about their rebounding off free throws. Those rebounds off the free throws really hurt us."
With UNC doing just about everything right, Duke simply could not buy a break. Several Blue Devil shots appeared as if they were in the baskets before rimming out. The Tar Heels even used the Cameron crowd of 5,478 as an advantage in their efforts.
"This is one of my favorite places to play," Hatchell said. "I love playing over here. We've usually played pretty good over here-a whole lot better than some of the other courts in the ACC. I like playing here because we always have a lot of people here too. It's a great place and a great basketball atmosphere. I wish every game we played was at a place like this."
One of the reasons why Hatchell may have enjoyed this particular trip to Cameron was the team that she brought with her. With a perfect 5-0 conference record and a 14-1 overall mark, the No. 10 Tar Heels have turned many heads in the ACC with their outstanding play. Hatchell can now boast of a team which simply does not rely on the posts moves of Reid and the Olympic speed of point guard Marion Jones.
"I think that in the last few games with Jessica coming off the bench, the chemistry has obviously been there," Jones said. "We're doing what we need to win right now, and that's very important."
Just doing the little things.
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