NIT not kind to Tarheels

Before a heated battle against Gonzaga Wednesday night in New York, UNC received a warm greeting from the partisan crowd. Everyone among packed stadium anticipated that the Heels would walk away with a victory and advance into the next round. It was not to be as the 'Zags tight D and sharp perimeter shooting were too much for Carolina. Sure it was a close game, down to the wire with 1:30 left before Gonzaga completely pulled away. Gonzaga senior, Derek Raivio (21 points) made a couple bad decisions late in the second half and turnovers that could have cost his team the game.

UNC freshman, Brandan Wright had a good game, finishing with 21 points. His free-throw shooting, however, was shaky as he went 7-for-14 from the line. Gonzaga's defensive strategy shut down Tyler Hansbrough for most of the game, double-teaming and pressuring him hard inside. The main difference though in the game was Gonzaga's three-point shooting (53%). Now the Bulldogs move on to play Butler Friday night in pursuit of a NIT championship. No one expected such a high tempo, back and forth game between UNC and Gonzaga.

The Tarheels, ranked #2 in the country coming into last night's game fall to 3-1 as the 'Zags' improve to 5-0. The competition will become more fierce for Carolina in the coming month. They'll face Tennessee, Ohio State, and Kentucky. The freshmen are counted on to fill more quality minutes on the floor while giving a lift off the bench. I expect them to come together better as a team and be motivated to play usual Carolina basketball under Coach Roy William's leadership.