UNC's 98-89 victory Wednesday night against Ohio State wasn't short of spectacular. It was a sharp shooting exchange between the two teams. Outside the Big Ten it was Ohio State's first loss. Tyler Hansbrough and freshman Wayne Ellington combined for 40 points as the Heels were able to make a run late in the second half. Freshman Ty Lawson chipped in with 13 points and 5 assists. The Buckeyes were hot from three point land, shooting 50%. Sustaining the offensive firepower was tough, but the Tarheels were up to the challenge.
Luckily Ohio State's Greg Oden was unable to play due to injury as he watched from the sidelines in street clothes. The Carolina defense finally took over in the second half, stopping their opponent beyond the arc explosion. Armed with a new strategy, Roy Williams gave his troops the direction and motivation they needed. They went on a 17-2 run, which involved them getting some quick fast-break points as well as off transition from turnovers. UNC started to make a turnaround with close to 4 minutes left in the first half as Bobby Frasor dished to Tyler Hansbrough at the basket for a big flush.
Even though UNC came out on top, I got to give props to the Buckeyes' Ron Lewis who finished with 30 points (13-for-26 FG). He kept them within a short margin until late in the second half. North Carolina improves to 5-1 with the win. Their next opponent will be Kentucky on Saturday. I'm sure Chapel Hill will be rocking for the upcoming, high energy and competitive contest. The Heels look to provide frills throughout the nearing new year.
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