Game #24 @ North Carolina

Well tonight begins the stretch of games which proves if we belong with the big teams or if we are still on the next tier down. First it's tonight in Chapel Hill vs. the #1 Tar Heels (the third #1 team we have played this year), then it's Monday vs. #2 Duke, Thursday vs. #23 Boston College and then the 19th vs. NC State. Anything less than a 2-2 record through this stretch will be killer. I would take 3-1, but would love to see us go 4-0.

Tonight though is North Carolina, the #1 team in the land. The only undefeated team. The team that blitzed UConn at Storrs and came from 17 down to beat Duke at Cameron. They are good, really good and we need to bring our A game to beat them. They love to run the ball up and down the floor. They use speed to their advantage and hope to force teams into submission thanks to their fast break and relentless press. Also, they are looking for revenge after last season's loss at Comcast.

They are led by Ivory Latta, one of the best guards in the country and probably the frontrunner for ACC Player of the Year. She's quick, cocky and can shoot from anywhere on the floor. Next there is Erlana Larkins. She's tough on the blocks and has range with her jumpshot. Next is Camille Little. She's gone from down in the low post to more of a small forward position in three years. She can shoot the three, but also back you down. Atkinson is their defensive stopper and rebounder. They have a huge freshman class but none of them have really stepped to the forefront to take control like our freshmen have.

UNC scores 83.5 points per game, while allowing only 54.4. They have nearly 300 steals, but have committed over 400 turnovers. They shoot 48.2% from the field and 39.2% from behind the arc. Their stats are very impressive and I can't find a weak spot. Tonight is going to be a tough game.

UNC Roster | UNC Stats

Keys to the Game

Control the tempo of the game. UNC likes to run and we can't get in a running match with them. Our bench is 7 deep sometimes 8 or 9, and they have a larger one. We can't be afraid to set up our halfcourt offense and get the best shot. Just because UNC runs the ball and hoists up quick shots doesn't mean we need to.

Control the glass. The main reason Duke was killing Carolina early was because they owned the glass in the first half. Then Atkinson got going and the game changed. Crystal, Laura, Marissa and Jade must attack all missed shots to prevent the breakout. If UNC gets a defensive rebound, they are off and running.

Keep Latta under wraps. She's the quickest guard we have faced and we know how we do against quick guards. Slow her down with some ball pressure and keep her out of sync. Also, she needs other people to beat us. She tends to be a ball hog sometimes and often will try and do it all.

Keep our composure. Our last 5 road games have been awful at the start and out of halftime. It's time to show up when the ball is tipped and prove we belong.

Keep the Intensity. Last year, when we built the big lead, we bent but didn't break, we need to do the same tonight. When we take the lead, build on it and don't let up. This isn't UVA, GT, Wake, etc. UNC can come back.

Break their press. They love to press with Little at the top of the zone. With her at the top that leaves Langhorne and Harper wide open down below for an easy bucket over their shorter players. They also will let Latta press the ball handler and then bring over the double team quickly. We must not get trapped.

Have confidence in our shots. They play a zone so our gunners must be able to hit from 3. If we can connect early and often, it may force them to play more man and we can get buckets underneath.

Get Larkins in foul trouble. Another reason Duke led big was because Larkins sat on the bench with foul trouble. Coach G never attacked her in the second half when she had 3 fouls and we all saw that result. Take her out and it could be a feast down low.

Articles

Washington Post

Baltimore Sun

Durham Herald Sun

The Diamondback

Washington Times

Daily Tar Heel

Game Notes
Maryland | UNC

One last thing, tonight's game isn't on TV and is only available on Student Radio or the UNC broadcast. I guess the folks over at Maryland didn't think a #1 vs. #6 match up was important enough to send the commercial crew. If you want to voice a complaint drop an e-mail to Chris Janush, the general manager.