Duke headed into the winter break with an unbeaten record and emerged unscathed as it continued its stellar start to the season. However, its Triangle counterparts can't be written off just yet. Here's a look at some of the big games NC State and North Carolina played over the holiday break.
NC State (12-2, 1-0)
December 18: Stanford 79, NC State 88
No. 25 NC State won its fourth straight game behind Lorenzo Brown’s season-high 24 points as they led the entire game before pulling away towards the end. Richard Howell had another double-double tallying 17 points and 12 rebounds and Scott Wood added another 17 points as the Wolfpack’s high-powered offense continued to put up big totals across the board – the most impressive being its 56% shooting in the game.
December 22: St. Bonaventure 73, NC State 92
A dominant win for No. 25 NC State was highlighted by forward C.J. Leslie’s career high 33 points, as the Wolfpack racked up their fourth straight game of 80 or more points scored along with their fifth straight win. Scott Wood also continued his fine form, picking up where he left off against Stanford to grab a season best 23 points. Another season high came from Lorenzo Brown whose 11 assists were two short of his career high of 13. Big games from that trio masked Richard Howell's nightmare performance. The forward fouled out in 12 minutes, failing to score.
January 5: NC State 78, Boston College 73
No. 23 NC State won its ACC opener on the road for the first time since 1997 as they edged out Boston College. The offense continued to roll, as six Wolfpack players got into double digits. Freshman Rodney Purvis led the 'Pack with 19, and Richard Howell snagged 12 points and 11 rebounds, marking his eighth double-double of the season. But it was Scott Wood’s two critical three pointers with the game nearing an end that sealed an NC State victory.
Analysis: NC State has regained its form after stumbling out of the blocks, making them Duke’s biggest rivals for the ACC crown. The Wolfpack are the nation’s best shooting team and they have an offense that is clicking on all cylinders right now. Their game at the moment does not seem to show any weaknesses other than a somewhat suspect defense. This an extremely well-oiled team and should only do better as the season progresses behind C.J. Leslie, who has been fantastic, senior Richard Howell and an ACC Rookie of the Year candidate T.J. Warren, who has fitted seamlessly into the team. Keep the January 12 showdown with Duke circled on your calendar.
Upcoming: January 9 vs. Georgia Tech; January 12 vs. Duke
UNC (10-4, 0-1)
December 19: Texas 85, North Carolina 67
No. 23 North Carolina was upset by struggling Texas in a game in which the Tar Heels could not get anything going. The Longhorns, who have been without star guard Myck Kabongo due to an NCAA investigation, were still able to outlast North Carolina behind Sheldan McClellan’s 18 points. For the Tar Heels, Reggie Bullock had a double-double scoring 18 points and grabbing 13 rebounds while James Michael McAdoo added 14 and nine. North Carolina shot a season low 31% from the field and had 18 turnovers as they continue to struggle with freshman Marcus Paige running the point.
December 29: UNLV 73, North Carolina 79
P.J. Hairston shone in his first career start with 15 points as unranked North Carolina beat No. 20 UNLV for the Tar Heels’ first marquee victory of the year. Hairston, who started because second leading scorer Reggie Bullock was still having effects from a mild concussion, certainly filled in admirably as he also contributed four rebounds and four steals. Dexter Strickland had 16 points as North Carolina shot 51% and also forced 18 turnovers leading to 17 points.
January 6: North Carolina 52, Virginia 61
A week after beating a ranked team, unranked North Carolina was beaten in its ACC opener as it failed to muster anything offensively in an insipid performance. Reggie Bullock returned after a concussion but his 22 points were the only bright spot in a lackluster Tar Heels showing. The Cavaliers were led by Joe Harris’ 19 points in a game where neither side really dominated but Virginia did just enough to walk away winners.
Analysis: The general consensus was that North Carolina, after losing four starters to the NBA this season, would need some time to find its footing, and that has been the case so far. While Reggie Bullock has been a steadying presence, the rest of the team hasn’t been consistent enough and this has resulted in some very poor offensive showings. The same must be said about the defense, as the communication and energy evident last season has disappeared this year. There is much work to do for the Tar Heels' Hall of Fame coach Roy Williams as the ACC season unfolds, but don’t count North Carolina out just yet; they have tremendous potential, it is just a matter of when it clicks.
Upcoming: January 10 vs Miami; January 12 at Florida State
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