The Tar Heels went to Tallahassee for what we all knew would be a tough game. It was the first game the North Carolina freshman experienced with fans in the stands. It was another hard fought, back and forth game, but in the end, MJ Walker the Seminoles were too much for the Tar Heels, earning a 82-75 win.
The first half featured two completely different Tar Heel teams. We saw stretches of a team that played tough defense and established offensive continuity with effective post play and consistent outside shooting. On the flip side, we saw a team that gave up a 20-5 run, due to lackluster perimeter defense and an offense that was stagnant at best. The stagnant offense was a by-product of no movement and overall poor shot selection. The Tar Heels led by two late in the half, but three turnovers in the last 1:15 dealt the Tar Heels a 41-37 halftime deficit.
Unfortunately, the Tar Heels started the second half how they ended the first half-plagued with turnovers. Florida St. used the Tar Heel turnovers to build a 10 point lead and held the lead the rest of the game. Carolina fought back and had chances, but every Tar Heel run was answered by a Seminole run. The Tar Heels used a 9-2 run to pull within one with 2:30 left, but the Seminoles answered once again, ending the game by out-scoring the Tar Heels 8-2. The bright spot for the Tar Heels in the second half was the return of redshirt freshman guard Anthony Harris. Harris saw his first game action since last year when he tore his ACL in a game vs Yale. Harris was the Harris Tar Heel fans grew fond of. He provided instant energy; scoring five points, dishing three assists, and drawing two charges.
Tar Heel Takeaways:
*The Tar Heels have to find a way to establish consistency-both on offense and defense.
*Careless and unforced turnovers continue to plague the Tar Heels. To end the first half and start the second half, Carolina had a stretch of seven turnovers in eight possessions. Most of them were unforced. One could point to this as the difference in the game.
*The return of Anthony Harris will be a welcomed addition. Harris contributed instant energy, was able to consistently create offense for his teammates, and played a high level of defense.
Leading scorers-Davis-16,Walton-14,Brooks-12
Leading rebounders-Sharpe-6, Bacot-5
Next up for the Tar Heels- Wednesday, January 20th vs Wake Forest. The game is scheduled for 9:00 pm eastern time.