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UNC Basketball: Tar Heels down Pittsburgh in ACC Tournament

By Horran Cameron

Feb 14, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Marcus Paige (5) and guard Joel Berry II (2) celebrate during the second half in game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Dean E. Smith Center. The Tar Heels won 85-64. Mandatory Credit: Evan Pike-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 14, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Marcus Paige (5) and guard Joel Berry II (2) celebrate during the second half in game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Dean E. Smith Center. The Tar Heels won 85-64. Mandatory Credit: Evan Pike-USA TODAY Sports /
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UNC advances to the semi-finals of the ACC Tournament

The top-seeded North Carolina Tar Heels defeated the eighth-seeded Pittsburgh Panthers, 88-71. The Tar Heels had four players in double figures in points: Joel Berry II (20 points), Brice Johnson (19 points), Justin Jackson (11 points) and Isaiah Hicks (10 points) to lead the charge.

Johnson added 10 rebounds and five blocks. In addition, Berry had three assists and four steals. The Panthers had three players in double figures: Jamel Artis (19 points), Michael Young (19 points) and Sheldon Jeter (13 points).

Feb 14, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Joel Berry II (2) and guard Joel Berry II (2) trap Pittsburgh Panthers forward Michael Young (2) during the first half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Evan Pike-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 14, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Joel Berry II (2) and guard Joel Berry II (2) trap Pittsburgh Panthers forward Michael Young (2) during the first half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Evan Pike-USA TODAY Sportsy of the first half. Pittsburgh had a 33-26 lead with 4:37 left in the first half. After UNC’s Berry nailed a three-pointer, Carolina went to on a 13-6 run to finish out the first half. Berry’s defense was key in their comeback. His pressure on Pittsburgh’s point guard James Robinson proved to be instrumental in the run and the overall win. Carolina led 39-35 at halftime. /

The first half was somewhat close. North Carolina could not create too much separation in the first half. In fact, Pittsburgh had lead Carolina for the majority of the first half. In the second half, Carolina gradually added onto their lead. Several players chipped in points to build Carolina’s four point lead up to a 17-point deficit for Pittsburgh. North Carolina shot nearly 60% from the field (58.9%) while holding Pittsburgh to 44.4% from the field. Carolina out-rebounded Pittsburgh 30 to 25.

The most important statistic for the Tar Heels was their three-point field goals. Carolina connected six of the 14 three-pointers (42.9%). The Tar Heels have been criticized all season long for their poor outside shooting. Today, they made a statement to everyone that they can shoot. Their solid perimeter play alleviated pressure for the low post players.

North Carolina will face the winner of the Duke/Notre Dame matchup. Both teams will give UNC a great deal of competition. Surely, many constituents of Tar Heel Nation would love another “Battle of the Blues” matchup between Carolina and Duke. However, do not underestimate Notre Dame. They have one of the best starting fives in the country.

Brice Johnson continued his impressive play in today’s game. Joel Berry stepped up, as well. Justin Jackson and Isaiah Hicks played solid games, too. Marcus Paige had a quiet eight points and three assists. Paige was three of seven from the field and made two of five three-point field goals. Although he did not score a lot of points, he shot well from the field.

Carolina did not have all of their guns bringing their “A” game. If this happens consistently throughout March and April, then UNC head coach Roy Williams could possibly win his third national championship at his alma mater.

The Tar Heels have a dangerous team because they can beat their opponents in a variety of ways. Any of their top seven to eight players can go for 20 points any given game. Today, it was Berry’s turn.

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