Boosted by a torrid start to the game, Carolina (9-3, 0-0 ACC) was well on its way to another dominant shooting performance of 50%. The Heels jumped out early behind six quick points from Meeks and some intense defensive pressure that caused UAB (4-9, 0-0 C-USA) to turn the ball over five times in the first five minutes. 9 of the Blazers first 10 shots were airballs and, subsequently, former UNC assistant Jerod Haase's team was down 15-2 with Carolina never looking back. The Heels continued to cruise into the half behind a flurry of perimeter shooting. Jackson ignited the run by splashing two threes, one so deep he was almost in Haase's pocket on the sideline, and then Paige connected on a 3 to push the Heels lead into the 20's. Jackson played his best game in weeks and exuded the confidence in his shot that teammates and coaches have been wanting to see for some time.
UNC Coach Roy Williams was delighted to see Jackson's success on the court. After the game Roy touched on this in his post-game news conference saying, "I think that was really good for him (Jackson), but it was also good for our team. We need somebody to step up and I've said all year I really think he is going to be a good shooter, and I think those were big for his confidence today."
Carolina had not had six players score in double figures during the same game since UNC beat Wake Forest early in the ACC schedule last year. The Heels were very efficient scoring-wise with everyone contributing. In addition to Paige, Meeks, and Jackson, three other Heels contributed extremely well to the point spread. Brice Johnson scored 11 points (7 rebounds), Isaiah Hicks added 11 as well and Nate Britt pumped in 10 points for his 5th double-digit scoring effort in his career as a Heel. But, it wasn't all offense that got the job done for UNC.
The Tar Heels turned up the defensive heat in this one, suffocating UAB into horrible shots and a measly 3 for 25 showing from 3-point range. Overall, the Blazers shot 30.5% for the game and it seemed that the Carolina defenders never allowed UAB to get comfortable on the offensive end. C.J. Washington led the Blazers with 12 points but only shot 3 of 13 from the floor. UAB's leading scorer, Robert Brown, was held to 11 points on 3 of 11 shooting. So many shots were rushed and many of those never even touched iron. Credit Carolina's perimeter defense for hawking the ball and getting hands up on shooters. UAB's most prolific 3-point shooter, freshman Nick Norton, was overwhelmed in the Dean Dome shooting 0 for 4 from 3. UNC's length on the edges and size downlow sucked the energy out of the Blazers where their game just went up in smoke. With the defensive pressure turned up on high, Carolina forced 18 turnovers and used those turnovers to create 27 points. Even so, Carolina continued to have its own turnover issues. Bad passes and trying to do too much led to Carolina's turnover woes, once again, as the Heels matched UAB's turnover mark with 18 throwaways. Although, UAB could only muster 15 points off Carolina's miscues. Still, for UNC, turning it over is a habit Coach Williams would like to lose immediately.
"The only disappointing thing, in the second half, was the turnovers," said Williams. "Everybody's trying to hit a home run. Just make the easiest play and don't try and make something when it's not there."
There were many plays that were not disappointing, however, and J.P. Tokoto brought the Dean Dome crowd to its feet with a thunderous tomahawk jam that posterized the UAB defender. The pump fake, drive, and throw down was quite an impressive display of athleticism that Tar Heel fans have grown to love from the extremely talented junior.
The energy was sky-high from the Heels all game long and, coming off the week-long Christmas break with only a slight amount of practice time, UNC continued to build momentum leading into conference play once the New Year arrives.
"It's a momentum thing for us; it's a learning experience," said UNC junior Brice Johnson after the game. "The ACC is a whole different ball game. We just have to go ahead and finish out the preseason and be ready for the next challenge."
Carolina is travel-tested and eager to begin the ACC stretch. With seven of its first 12 games being contested away from the Smith Center, UNC has learned a multitude of lessons so far this season that many Top 25 teams have not experienced to this point. I believe this type of non-conference schedule does wonders for the Heels and could benefit Carolina in the weeks and months to come. ACC play is on the doorstep with a January 3rd meeting at Clemson on the horizon. Carolina is hungry and getting better game by game and will finish off the non-conference slate on Monday against former Tar Heel Tony Shaver's William & Mary team.
Next Game: #20 North Carolina (9-3, 0-0 ACC)
vs
William and Mary Tribe (6-4, 0-0 Colonial Athletic)
Date/Time: Monday, December 30, 2014 @ 7:00pm EST
Location: Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, NC
TV/Radio: ESPN Full Court and ESPN 3 / Tar Heel Sports Network
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