CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – North Carolina is breathing a sigh of relief after fighting off a feisty Virginia team in front of 14,000 rabid Cavaliers fans on Saturday afternoon.
UNC beat the Cavs 54-51 in a game that was ugly in stretches but certainly fascinating from a tactical standpoint. Neither team shot well, a product of both defenses, and in the process the Tar Heels won a game by converting just 17 field goals, the fewest in a victory in nine years under coach Roy Williams.
UNC improved to 25-4 overall and 12-2 in the ACC, while UVa dropped to 21-7 and 8-6.
Here are the grades for both teams’ performances on Saturday:
UNC offense: Ugh! UNC made just 33.3 percent of its field goal attempts, including a gruesome 14.3 percent (2-for-14) from 3-point range. The Heels amassed just eight assists on 17 field goals. If not for hitting 18 of 23 free throws, they likely would have lost. Big men Tyler Zeller and John Henson combined for 35 of Carolina’s points. Grade: D.
Virginia offense: About as ugly as UNC’s. The Cavaliers converted 35 percent of their field goal attempts, but just 26.1 percent (6-for-23) from beyond the arc, though only 11.1 percent (1-11) after the intermission. UVa assisted on only seven of 21 made baskets, and never got Mike Scott going. Scott finished with 7 points on 3-13 shooting in 22 minutes, as he was saddled with foul trouble. Grade: D.
UNC defense: Other than when UNC allowed UVa to close out the first half on a 22-7 run, the defense was outstanding. Carolina was gritty and did a nice job, though Kendall Marshall was beaten off the dribble too often by Jontel Evans. But, you can’t complain about a unit that allowed just 35 percent shooting overall and 26.1 percent from 3-point range. Grade: A.
Virginia defense: Fantastic performance. UVa allowed UNC’s perimeter starters just a total of 11 points after Marshall, Reggie Bullock and Harrison Barnes combined for 53 in a win at N.C. State earlier in the week. But, UNC still managed to make just 33.3 of its shots, including a lousy 14.3 percent from downtown. Fouls that put UNC to the free throw line did in the Wahoos. Grade: A.
UNC intangibles: Winning a game like this requires more than a questionable call by the referees or plain old dumb luck. The Tar Heels fought for this victory, and gained something for their efforts. Plus, seeing some late-game situations in real life as opposed to just practice is a big-time positive for their growth. Grade: A.
Virginia intangibles: UVa just didn’t score enough, but it brought everything else to the table. The Hoos were exceptionally well prepared, they executed the game plan, and when Scott went out with his fourth foul they regrouped and actually re-took the lead. Virginia may have lost, but it grew some in defeat. Grade: A.
