1360 WCHL Sports Blog

Can Virginia Tech Bring IT?

2008-02-16T11:48:00.053-05:00

11:57 a.m. - Special guest Jason Kahn here, seizing the blog for the UNC versus Virginia Tech rumble. Only an hour until tip-off, so strap in. But before the action, is anyone hiding the Tar Heels gameplan in their closets? Well, if you are, we'd appreciate you returning it.

However, even worse news, the Heels not only could be without Ty Lawson, don't be surprised if Deon Thompson and Danny Green don't get any PT today - they're banged up a bit as well. For the love of Dean Smith, please somebody, help!

Talk to you folks at game time!

12:49 p.m. - If you haven't heard...put your shirts on! Otherwise the born and bred will boo you!

On a high note, game time is only 10 minutes away. I'll keep you posted...literally.

12:57 p.m. - Here come the Heels glamorous entrance! Even if you can't seem 'em, start clapping! This is basketball's finest, BABY (said with Dickie V's enthusiasm).

1:00 p.m. - Ahem, when is the last time you've seen a game start on the dot? I'll let you know when Danny Green busts out the killer moves.

1:04 p.m. - JUMP AROUND...JUMP....JUMP....

Danny Green knows how. Your turn. Break it down y'all.

1:05 p.m. - Thirteen seconds in, Wayne Ellington nails a 3 from straight away. Happy days are here again.

1:06 p.m. - Hansbrough's with the steal and than finished on the other end with a lay-up. Nasty start already.

1:08 p.m. - Quick side note: Thompson and Green are playing. Still no Lawson, though. And with that, Thompson hits a jumper, 8-0 UNC.

1:10 p.m. - Wayne's got the magic touch - another 3 with the clock running down. It's 10-3 UNC. Someone, get me a water! I'm parched already.

1:13 p.m. - If you can't make a lay-up, who you gonna call? Alex Stepheson....at least sometimes...

Q misses the lay-up and Stepheson slams it in. It's 14-5 UNC.

1:19 p.m. - Sorry for the long delay...I know, six minutes, fine me. But with all this typing, I'm probably going to end up with carpel tunnel. So I guess that's my punishment.

Anyone just watch A.D. Vasallo take the ball for a walk?

1:21 p.m. - Offensive rebounds are our friends people. Thompson gets the point. Danny Green can't roll it in, so Thompson pounces on the opportunity and the bucket. We've got a 18-9 UNC lead with 11:56 left.

1:24 p.m. - Big shout out to Walter, a.k.a The Deuce, currently stationed at McClamroch Hall (definitely spelled that wrong).

1:27 p.m. - By the looks of it, if Roy would let him, Hansbrough could probably play the point today....OK, maybe I shouldn't have gone that far but, Hansbrough's really gliding up and down the court, making steals, making some swift passes, and doing what he does, throwing it down.

1:31 p.m. - The Heels are keeping the Hokies off the boards. Pretty refreshing.

And I didn't want to make mention to this, but geez, Cheick Diakite "Mutumboed" (reference to Dikembe Mutumbo, duh) Hansbrough. It seems like Hansbrough's been getting that lately.

1:36 p.m. - I always leave out the small things before game time. The house, not like it matters too much at this point, is almost filled to capacity. Hasn't really been like that since I've been to a game.

1:37 p.m. - Will Graves with the silky, smooth touch from the corner, 29-13 UNC. They're starting to pull away...and away....

1:41 p.m. - Hokies can't get a break because the Heels aren't giving it to them.

OK, maybe it's time to shut my mouth...Malcom Delaney nails a 3 for the Hokies. They still have work to catch up to the Heels, 29-18.

1:44 p.m. - With 3:40 left in the first half, I'm not sure whose hurting more, the Hokies or myself. I'm in such the tightest space right now.

Did Q just dunk? Holy torpedo!

1:46 p.m. - We have just caused our gazillionth turnover. Do we get biscuits for that?

1:48 p.m. - Oh, my! Q is a new man ladies and gentlemen. He splits two defenders and flushes a left-handed dunk.

What 40 minutes a game could do to you....39-21 UNC.

1:52 p.m. - Stepheson puts the shot up....last second....the verdict? Add two more, as the half comes to a close. I should probably update you guys on the time in the game, shouldn't I? Whoops...

2:06 pm. - Whoa, been away from the keyboard for awhile (or afk, as online vets know it as). At the break, Hansbrough with 12, Stepheson next in line with 8, Ellington with 6, and the rest who've played have their share.

I got to thinking...every time a camera is pointed at the students, it's always the same reaction. Can anyone think of something different besides looking like a lunatic and throw a number one symbol in the air? If something comes to mind, I'll let you know.

I wish I had a remote control so I can stop action in realtime for just a second, maybe TiVo it. They started too quick. But all is good, second half is underway.

2:14 p.m. - Viriginia Tech's main problem? They're having trouble running with the Heels.

2:15 p.m. Q is displaying moves I've never seen from him before. I'm starting to get used to the idea of having him start..hmm...

Hansbrough with virtually, an impossible shot behind the backboard. But it gets called off.

2:18 p.m. - So, almost five minutes into the second half and we've got a 50-25 UNC lead after Mike Copeland finds Q open under the hoop.

2:21 p.m. - All right, lets fess up. Who brought the Heels game back? They're playing spectacular defense.

2:24 p.m. - There's 13:01 on the game clock, and the Heels on top, 56-30.

2:26 p.m. - Who saw that Hansbrough 3 point attempt coming? Too bad he missed. He was craving to take the shot.

2:29 p.m. - With 11:40 on the clock, Danny Green lays it in under the bucket. It's 63-30 UNC.

2:33 p.m. - An errant pass by Jeff Allen causes a turnover for the Hokies. Almost ten minutes to go in the game.

2:34 p.m. - Ellington sinks a three, increasing the lead to 38. Update on score: 70-32 UNC.

2:36 p.m. - I still can't find a better camera shot of the students. Anyone want to throw out an idea? Be my guest...

2:42 p.m. Georgetown upset by Syracuse...trust me, more upsets are on their way.

2:45 p.m. - Marcus for the triple....he got it. He's come around offensively as of late. There's 6:45 left, and the Heels hold the 79-42 advantage.

2:48 p.m. - Hansbrough cracks himself up. Only he can make himself smile after running up for the steal. Good try.

And while I'm typing, pretty pass from Q to Stepheson. But Stepheson misses. The Heels not letting up, 82-42. Only 5:45 left.

2:50 p.m. - Get UP! Ellington alley-oop to Stepheson and than Ellington comes back down the floor to hit a three. Carolina fans are soaking in the glory. 88-45 UNC with less than five to play.

2:53 p.m. - Marc Campbell and J.B. Tanner, or one-half of the "clean up crew," enter.

2:56 p.m. - Here comes the other half, Surry Wood, Jack Wooten, and Patrick Moody.

3:00 p.m. - There's only a minute and 22 seconds left. Its a done deal...unless the Hokies can rack up 40 points really quick. It's 92-49 UNC.

3:01 p.m. - Three straight 3 point attempts- one from Greg Little, Wooten, and Moody - and 3 downers for the crowd.

3:03 p.m. - Blare the fight song, UNC easily takes the game, 92-53. And lets here "Hark the Sound." And they all clear out.

This could be a statement game for the Heels. Remember, limited time for Thompson, and no Lawson. We'll see how they matchup with bigger ACC foes.

I'll talk to you some time in the future, Carolina enthusiasts.

UNC vs. Clemson, Take II

2008-02-10T18:32:00.000-05:00

Who can forget how the first match-up ended when UNC took on Clemson on January 6. Clemson has revenge on their mind after letting one get away. This may be their best opportunity, too, with UNC set to play again without Ty Lawson.

6:35 - Game tips off in about five minutes or so. Follow it here.
(Note: no extra source of power so when the laptop dies it's nighty-night for this post. Sorry...)

6:40 - WCHL's in-arena feed of the broadcast works. You know what that means? I get to keep my job another day. Yes! Remember, you can listen to a WCHL feed of the Tar Heel Sports Network by tuning your headset to 92.7 FM in the Smith Center.

6:42 - Pre-game introductions are done, "Jump Around" is playing, and Danny Green is entertaining the crowd so the ball's about to go in the air...control to...Carolina.

6:43 - Quick turnover leads to a breakaway James Mays dunk. 2-o, Clemson.

6:44 - Another turnover by the Tar Heels followed up by a blocking foul by Deon Thompson.

6:45 - ANOTHER turnover by the Tar Heels. Travel call on Thomas. Still 2-0. Make that 5-0 after a three by Clemson's Hammond. Whoa, 8-0.

6:46 - Foul by Clemson. Tar Heels finally get to set-up the offense. Ellington's shot is blocked. Unbelievably bad start for the Tar Heels as we are almost 2 and a half minutes in.

6:48 - FINALLY. Hansbrough scores for Carolina. 8-2.

6:49 - Chippy foul calld against the Tar Heels' Ellington. Crowd disagrees.

6:50 - Not only is Clemson doing a great job of pressuring the ball and creating turnovers, but they are OWNING the boards.

6:51 - 10-2, Carolina. Ginyard's at the line for two. He nails one of two and Clemson's Mays commits the Cardinal-sin of saving a ball under and opponent's basket. Hansbrough recovers and slams home two. Clemson quickly responds to make it 12-5. Timeout on the court at the 15:19 mark of the first half.

6:52 - The Tar Heels have rebounded better in the last minute or so, but this is going to be a long game. Still in a timeout, by the way.

6:53 - 5-second call against Clemson after Danny Green laid some hot "D" against the Clemson ball handler (the "D" was so tough, I couldn't see the guy with the ball).

6:56 - I'm not well-versed in officiating, but if a guy clearly shuffles his feet to the point that he looks like he's doing the "typewriter" (y'all remember when Hammer used to that dance), isn't that a travel.

6:57 - 14-7, Clemson. The Tar Heels are looking slightly better, but lucky for the them, Clemson is looking almost equally as bad after starting off pretty good. 14-9, Clemson, after Green's floater in the lane falls.

6:59 - Clemson's offense is simple at this point - head down and to the hoop. It is putting the Tar Heels on their heels. Pun intended.

7:00 - Danny Green has to quick fouls.

7:01 - 21-9, Clemson with 11:19 to play. Timeout on the court.

7:04 - Ginyard is running point right now. 23-9, Clemson after a basket by David Potter. Hansbrough answers to make 23-11. Clemson quickly answers back (not sure who scored basket) to make it 25-11. Now, Hansbrough is at the line shooting two. He makes them both.

7:08 - Two quick baskets by Thompson makes it 25-17, Clemson with 8:54 to play in the first half. This is one scrappy game. Old school, playground basketball. Personally, I like it! Carolina has probably gotten into a set offense twice the entire game.

7:09 - Another turnover against Carolina. Travel call against Thomas.

7:10 - Charge against Clemson's Stitt. Much-needed turnover for Carolina.

7:11 - Clemson's Oliver Purnell should be pleased with the defense of his squad. They have identified Carolina's weakness and repeatedly attacked it. Now, they just have to sustain it for 40 whole minutes.

7:12 - Three pointer by Ellington makes it 27-21, Carolina. Clemson's Rivers answers with a three-pointer of his own to make it 30-21. Timeout on the court with 7:47 remaining.

7:16 - Ellington knocks down another three pointer to make it 30-24, Clemson. Clemson is also daring Q to shoot from the perimeter. The defender is within no more than five feet of him.

7:17 - Rivers knocks down back-to-back three-pointers for Clemson to make it 36-24. Ellington knocks down another three of his own to make it 36-27 with 5:45 to play.

7:18 - Ellington for two. Something tells me he likes playing against Clemson.

7:19 - Hansbrough knocks down two for Carolina to make it 41-31 with 3:58 to play.

7:25 - Shot clock violation against Clemson. Good defensive stance by the Tar Heels.

7:27 - Hansbrough at the line for two. He nails them both.

7:28 - You wouldn't think being on a player's back would warrant an "over the back" foul (if not an assault charge). However, these must think otherwise.

7:29 - 45-34 with 30-some seconds to go. I would love to hear what Coach tells the team at halftime.

7:31 - Halftime with the score, Carolina 34, Clemson 45. Stats to come shortly.

7:35 - For those politically-inclined, you'd be pleased to know that John Edwards in attendance. He's actually a sitting about 75 feet from where the blog is coming to you from.

8:07 - I didn't go on a dinner break or anything...actually had (clears throat to make sure the moment of bragging comes through clearly) an interview with former Presidential Candidate, John Edwards. Listen to tomorrow's edition of the morning news to hear what we discussed. *wink wink*

8:08 - Rick Steinbacher would've been so proud of me. I was already to apologize for the way I have historically told of my disdain for the Blues Brothers routine and you know what the guys did!? They blew the dunk. The highlight of the entire act and they blew it! OK, OK, I will end it here because I can, in fact, appreciate the tradition of the act. Walter Sturdivant says that he remembers the first act which was done approximately 22 years ago during a Duke-Carolina game. Now, that's tradition. But uhm...back to the game.

8:12 - 64 - 50, Clemson, with 9:48 to play. This has been a game that you rarely see on the Division I level. This is not a pretty game, but it has kept the crowd into it from beginning to end.

8:16 - 70 - 56, Carolina. Scrum on the floor. Arrow to Clemson. Just adds to the ugliness of the game. I would say this game is the equivalent of watching a football game take place on a rain-drenched football field. Just sloppy.

8:21 - 70 - 58, Carolina with 7:31 to go.

8:22 - Much-needed three-pointer by Ellington makes it 70 - 61. Now, the clock is working against Carolina. 6:41 to go.

8:23 - Charge taken by Danny Green gives the ball to Carolina.

8:24 -Clemson scores in transition and Ellington answers back to make it 72-63 with a shot for an "And 1". He makes the free throw and the score is 72-64 with 5:41 remaining.

8:25 - 75-64 before Hansbrough slams down two to make it 75-67, Clemson.

8:26 - 77-67 with 4:07 remaining.

8:28 - 79-70, Carolina with 3:00 remaining.

8:31 - After a couple of turnovers by Clemson and baskets by Carolina, it's 79-74 with 2:02 remaining. Carolina regains possession after the timeout.

8:34 - 79-77 with 1:50 to play after Danny Green nails a three-pointer. For those that have already left the arena...tsk, tsk, tsk!

8:36 - "Danny! Danny! Danny!" The crowd's chanting Danny Green's name. After Hammonds knocks down a three for Clemson, Danny answers with another to make it a two-point game again (82-80) with 1:07 to play.

8:41 - Chippy foul called against Carolina. Carolina commits another quick foul to send Stitt to the line. He misses and Carolina answers back to tie the game. Shot by Quentin Thomas! WOW!

8:43 - 19.4 seconds to play. Clemson has the ball. Ball is inbouded. Shot missed with 0.6 seconds remaining.

8:44 - Overtime.

8:45 - There is some overly-excited fan that keeps getting shown on the in-house feed. He is extremely pumped. I would wonder if he goes through life always that excited.

Professor: "You got a B, (extremely excited fan)."
Extremely Excited Fan: "WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Frickin' AWESOME! Next time, though, it's going to be an A - GO HEELS!"

8:48 - Overtime has begun. FYI, Carolina has never had the lead in this game.

8:49 - Hansbrough his one his "How the hell did that go in" shots to give Carolina the first lead of the game. Clemson answers. 84-84 with 3:04 to play.

8:50 - 87-84, Clemson. They are severely outrebounding Carolina in overtime. It has to be 8-1 so far.

8:54 - 88-87, Carolina with 52 seconds to play. Hats off to Clemson for their effort, but the next practice should focus on free throw shooting. That's all I'm saying...

8:56 - Miracle three-pointer by Oglesby gives Clemson a two-point lead. Quentin Thomas at the line for two with 38-seconds remaining. This game isn't a nail biter. It's a "sure to take 3 years off of your life(r)" for Carolina fans. Q nailed the first. Now, for the all-important second. He...hit it. He's gone from goat to G.O.A.T. just like that.

9:00 - Clemson botched the throw-in after trying to lob to Mays. Carolina ball with two seconds remaining. Hope for miracle or else this one's headed to double OT.

9:01 - SMART play. Clemson sagged off so Hansbrough hit Q at midcourt who quickly called a timeout. Side out of bounds with 1.2 seconds remaining. Enough to catch and shoot.

9:03 - Bad inbound by Carolina sends this one to double overtime.

9:04 - I don't know why it's funny, but the ref just ran to the restroom. Nothing like 5th-grade humor.

9:07 - Carolina controls the tip. Shot missed by Danny Green.

9:08 - Clemson shot falls flat. It's like these guys have played an overtime game or something.

9:08 - Hansbrough scores to give Carolina a 92-90 lead. Clemson turnover. Carolina possession.

9:09 - Hansbrough jobs and looks for his patented baseline dunk but is fouled before he can get it up. Hansbrough at the line shooting two. He nailed them both to make it 94-90.

9:10 - Mays at the line shooting two. He missed the first, but hit the second. 94-91 with 3:17 remaining.

9:11 - Turnover by the Tar Heels. Still not sure what the call was, but Clemson has the ball nonetheless.

9:13 - Hammonds scores for Clemson before Danny drives to the basket and gets fouled. Green at the line shooting two. He hit them both. 96-93.

9:15 - Patented Hansbrough hustle play gets Carolina a steal and sends Hansbrough to the line. He hits the first...and the second. 1:27 remaining.

9:17 - Ellington nails an improbably layup to give Carolina a seven-point cushion with 42-seconds remaining. A Clemson turnover makes it tough for the Tigers to come back at this point. Ellington's going to the line. Oh yeh, fans get biscuits. 100-93 at this point.

9:20 - Ellington nails the first and then the second. 102-93. After another Clemson miss, Hansbrough is going to the line to shoot two. He missed one, but made the second to make it 103-93.

9:22 - Hansbrough blocks a three-point attempt and time runs out. Carolina eeked out a victory over Clemson, 103-93. Now, time to get post-game audio!

AAAAAnd THIS is what it's all ABOUT---CAROLINA v. DUKE

2008-02-06T21:04:00.000-05:00

9:09pm- This is why the players play the game, and why we as fans fall so in love with them. The players are at center court, it's time for tip-off...The biggest rivalry in the world is underway...Tip controlled by Duke...

9:10pm- Duke opens with a 3-pointer and Deon Thompson responds with a hook shot...Tonight we'll find out what kind of leader "Q" is as he will run much of the point duties...OMG, Tyler just hit a deep two-pointer...Like, a foot in front of the perimeter...Deon Thompson with the block, Ginyard with the steal, but then he's rejected at the other end...Whew, a furious pace to open things up...5-3 Duke leads...

9:12pm- I'm going to call a career high in points tonight for Tyler...Unless Roy Williams benches him beacuse he almost air-balled that jumper...I might have to hold off on my prediction...Actually, I'll stick to it. With Lawson out tonight, Hansbrough is just going to have to be a monster.

9:13pm- Ellington for 2, but then the Heels give up an easy dunk...8-7 Heels lead...And so far it looks like the Heels are really struggling if not even trying to penetrate with the ball, settling for a lot of outside shots...

9:15pm- Tyler looks so energized...ANd I'll tell you a story...I was walking through the pit today on campus when Tyler walked through at the same time, and the entire area just erupted in cheers and "Tyler" chants...Awesome...

9:16pm- Monster block by Danny Green and another jumper by Tyler...Duke responds with a 3...Can't leave Singler open like that. And at our first official time-out, Carolina leads 12-10...14:54 left in the 1st half...

9:19pm- I wasn't going to say anything because I figured it would be dumb to point out, but I'll do it anyway...The Crowd in the Dean Dome Tonight is ECSTATIC!!!

9:20pm- Back underway and a big rebound by Deon and another by Stepheson...32 draws the foul and goes to the line...Misses first...Will Graves checks in for Q, who played a solid first 5 minutes...Both free throws missed by Stepheson...But he counters with a block, but Duke gets the steal, and Nolan Smith hits the 3-pointer...THat's the key to tonight's game...How many 3s can Duke hit...And oh my, how many nice jumpers can Deon nail...Another makes it a 1 point Carolina lead, and Deon is fouled underneath...

9:23pm- Okay, maybe Deon will be the one with a career high tonight...Roy said after the last home game that Deon felt like Magic Johnson...It looks like a good thing that he's feeling that way again tonight. 5 point UNC lead...

9:26pm- Scheyer makes me angry...Hits a deep 3-pointer in Tyler's face to tie the game...Official timeout...

9:28pm- Timout over, and so far Duke is 4 for 5 from 3-point range...That's a nice percentage...

9:29pm- Make that 5 for 6...Now make it 6 for 7, they are ridiculous...wow...7 for 8...My goodness...And the bad news is the Tar Heels are fading on offense...Tyler just got plowed over and draws the foul...Finally Duke misses a 3, so now they're 7 for 9...But they're on a good run here...27-20 Duke lead...

9:33pm- Ginyard to the line...He has the chance to try and get things revamped for the Heels...Both are good...But before that, Duke was on a 15-2 run...It's now back to a five point lead,,, Heels trail...

9:35pm- Thompson with a great defensive rebound, then a tremendous offensive rebound and draws the foul on his shot attempt...Well done, sir. Official timeout. 7:51 left...

9:36pm- So far Thompson and Hansbrough lead the Heels with 8 points each...3 Duke players have made 2 three-pointers each...So 3 players with 6 points...First shot by Deon is no good, but the second one is...Lead cut to 4...

9:38pm- And Henderson continues to infuriate Heels fans as he has the most blatant push-off ever...Yes 10 times more obvious than MJ in the Jazz playoff game...

9:40pm- The Heels look flustered, and I know Thomas is trying his best, but the Tar Heels really miss Lawson...Foul on Thompson even though that blocked looked excellent.

9:42pm- Heels need to be careful in the last 5 minutes of the half...4 players with 2 fouls each...Ginyard makes one of two from the line, and Nelson counters with a lay-up...9-point lead for Dukie...Make that 7 as Tyler pounds his way to the line...And then the refs miss a travel there...Then the Tar Heels turn it over...And then Tyler is linebackered to the floor. A Dookie just lowered his shoulder into him and put him on the floor; Carolina ball...

9:44pm- Ginyard hits it from 3...6 point game now, Heels coming back...Make it 8 again...

9:45pm- Graves has 3 fouls...He better be glad that dunk attempt didn't go in by Nelson or he'd have a lot explaining to do to everyone teasing him about why he's the guy getting posterized on ESPN's Top 10 plays...Nelson hits both free throws to give Duke a 10 point lead...

9:47pm- Official timeout...

9:48pm- 3:40 left and Carolina down 10...And Paulus hits another 3...These stats are ridiculous...

9:50pm- Montross just called the Big Men from Carolina out...He said this is not acceptable the way they are playing...Tyler might go all 40 minutes tonight, by the way...

9:51pm- I better hold back my comments here...Hansbrough just got flattened by non-other than Henderson...Yet Tyler is called for the foul...All is just though, he misses both shots, and Tyler responds with a turn-around jumper...The Heels have life with 2:06 left...Timeout Duke...9 point Duke lead...

9:53pm- By the way, whenever Henderson goes to the line tonight, the fans in the risers hold up signs that have Henderson's picture underneath big, bold lettering spelling out "WANTED"...Pretty cool.

9:55pm- The refs and Duke players better be careful...They are really getting underneath Tyler's skin...ANd he is starting to look pretty upset...4 turnovers on Thomas by the way...But he nabs a rebound there and sends it up to Ginyard he gets fouled hard going to the rack...1:19 left, he hits the first and makes the second to make it a 7-point game...

9:58pm- And at the end of the half, what a turnaround by the Tar Heels...Crazy play and effort by Hansbrough and the Heels are back in it...Down only by 3 at the half!!! Stay tuned for exciting 2nd half action!!

10:15pm- I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the battery gods are not shining on us tonight...My computer informs me that I have accidentally been running on maximum power, thus soaking up maximum battery...The blog will be very terse in the 2nd half...And I mean very...Basically, I'm nto going to blog anymore until the end of the game...I hope you have other methods of following the action...But before I go...Wow, Thomas just had a behind the back move and lay-up...Nice...Hang in there Sports Fans...Help your Heels pull this one through...

2008-01-31T19:51:00.001-05:00

BOSTON COLLEGE vs. NORTH CAROLINA- The Battle of the Rack

2008-01-31T18:51:00.000-05:00

6:52pm- Why the Battle of the Rack? I don't know, just sounded good.

6:53pm- Okay, welcome back to the Tar Heel Basketball Blog...Last time we spoke it was on a Saturday as snow fell on Chapel Hill, and the Tar Heels suffered an unfortunate loss. They'll look to turn things around at home tonight against the Boston College Eagles...Welcome aboard, and we hope you enjoy the game and the blog. Go Tar Heels!!

6:54pm- Heels are onto the court and there are still several empty seats in the arena. Hopefully they'll fill in during the next few minutes before the anthem.

6:56pm- Tonight is a match-up of the number 2 and 3 teams in the ACC...The Heels are 4th in the nation, right behind Duke (although both are likely to move up a spot after Kansas' loss), and Boston College is 12-6 on the season...

6:58pm- The game is on ESPN and of course on WCHL 1360am...But I'm interested to see Duke and NC State after this game...And there's our highlight video, a very cool opening as we mentioned last time on the blog...

7:00pm- Starters: Hansbrough, Ginyard, Ellington, Lawson, and Thompson...

7:01pm- Jump around, it's game time...The audio in the Smith Center seems very low tonight, by the way...could barely hear the player introductions...And now Alex Stepheson has joined Danny Green in the dancing tradition before the game....Actually, make that Greg Little showcasing his abilities...Anyway, it's game time now!!! Heels win the tip and turn it into 2 points...Ellington grabs the missed rebound and hits the bucket...Maybe he'll get a double-double tonight.

7:04pm- Slick move and a pass, basket Thompson...4-0.

7:05pm- And guess who showed up to the game? John Edwards is seated near the tunnel, sporting a nice blue-collered shirt and a bucket of popcorn. Good to have you back, John...6-1...

7:06pm- Usually it's the other way around, but Tyler forces the steal and Ginyard finishes with the lay-in, the foul, and the FT. 5 points for Ginyard off the bat.

7:07pm- Heels are 6 of 8 from the field as Lawson nails another basket and the foul...Off to a good start...14-4...

7:08pm- Let's see how many points the Heels give up tonight. BC is only averaging 78 per game...

7:09pm- Want to give a shout-out to East Chapel Hill's Demario Evans, who had the most ridiculous dunk the other night against Person high school. Evans took flight, and absolutely destroyed this kid trying to block his shot...It was Hansbroughesque and brought back memories of the Iona dunk...

7:10pm- A new Carolina tradition is beginning to form, by the way...Not sure if I like it. Some guy in the student section (this is now the third time I've seen this) gets up during 'Sweet Caroline' and takes off his full-brimmed hat and loudly and painfully screams the lyrics at the top of his lungs...Either he's very comfortable looking like an idiot or there's alcohol involved...Either way, it's uncomfortable for everyone else to watch and it also can't be good for his vocal chords...

7:13pm- Coming off a career-high in points (35), Tyler misses two FTs...QT is in the game...7 point lead for the Heels...

7:14pm- After the lead drops to 3, Tyler shows some nice footwork for 2 points, but BC responds with a 3...2 point lead for Heels, until Ellington makes it 4...13:20 to go in the 1st...

7:23pm- A high-flying ally-oop to Stepheson and it's 25-21 Heels...

7:24pm- BC takes the lead for the first time, and that lasts about 2 seconds...27-26 Heels.

7:25pm- Great passing by UNC...Looked like how a hockey team moves into the zone with all that passing, and then Deon finishes with a great, soaring dunk. He has 8 points...

7:26pm- Lazer pass from Q to Deon...And 'We here' at 31 points to 26...

7:30pm- Most of the starters coming back in for the Heels and the reserves head out to a standing ovation. 33-26 Heels.

7:34pm- Ginyard defines hustle and draws the foul...He goes to the line for 1 and 1.

7:35pm- This lady in front of me has a very strange laugh...Disturbingly strange.

7:37pm- The Tar Heels look really good tonight...Sharp defense, smart offense...Good combo against an always decent BC team. And the Heels' ferocity forces a timeout by BC.

7:38pm- How many other people are hoping Memphis loses this weekend to UTEP at home, so that when the new rankings come out, Duke is 1st and Carolina is 2nd heading into Wednesday's match-up in Chapel Hill? I know I am. Unfortunately for all of us out there, it'll take a monumental upset for all of this to transpire, but no one said we couldn't keep our fingers crossed.

7:42pm- Thompson has 13 points, by the way, and Carolina holds onto a 5 point lead with 3:12 left in the 1st...Lawson on the line, makes the first, and the second...7 point lead for Carolina.

7:45pm- Hansbrough ran about as fast as you can to dunk a ball, and luckily held on for dear life...All-in-all a highlight play for sure.

7:46pm- Ginyard is finding his scoring touch...3-pointer there gives him 8 on the night...

7:47pm- And then Ellington just embarasses BC with his silkiness...

7:47pm- Al Skinner looks like he could bite someone he's so angry...

7:47pm- Shot clock off...Carolina holding for the last shot, Tyler fouled, and going to the line with 4 seconds left...

7:48pm- Carolina ends the half on an 11-0 run...47 to 31 is the score at halftime...

7:55 p.m. - Hey WCHLers! Jason Kahn here to give you a review and overview of what just went down through the first half.

A new Marcus Ginyard is on display thus far using his offensive skills and incorporating it with some good defense. It sure was a help for the first 3 minutes, lifting the Heels to a 9-0 run. It looked like the Heels worked on their D keeping the Eagles on their toes.

But the Heels weren't able to contain the Eagles for the middle of the half (even though it didn't seem like it) as they continued to hit shots and find their way inside for easy under-the-hoop buckets....By the way, did you catch that rediculous transitional slam by Hansbrough? Looks like he's got something ticking him off today (maybe class?)...he had 8 points.
Big man on campus right now...Deon Thompson. He's got a starstruck 13 points so far. Way to go Deon. Alright I've got a lot to say....but I hear the music which means the final half is just about underway...see ya next time Tar Heel faithful...

8:06pm- Alright, Walter back with you now, or the Deuce as they call me...Heels are back to where they left off, 53 to 31 now...BC hasn't scored in 5 minutes of game time going back to the first half.

8:09pm- 55-31...

8:10pm- Lawson...57-31...Wow, and that quickly escalated...Not long ago the lead was only 5...

8:10pm- Finally the 7-minute scoreless streak is over for BC... 57-33...

8:11pm- Tyler once again using his feet to outclass the Eagles...He's foregoing brute strength for a nice touch instead tonight...Maybe he's in-touch with his sensitive side right now...Doesn't matter either way, as long as the shots go down...59-33 Heels...Time Out on the floor...15:47 left...

8:15pm- Carolina is on a 36 to 8 run since the 9:22 mark of the 1st half...enough said...

8:16pm- It's not quite an NC State type game, but it has a similar feel...Ginyard has 10 tonight...

8:17pm- Just FYI, if you see me spell Tyler's name in the blog like Handsbrough (with a D) it's because to phonetically spell his name it's HANDS-BRO...So in case you were wondering, that's why, just be aware of that...63-38...

8:18pm- BC needs to tell number 4 to pull up his pants...

8:19pm- You know it's a good game when Tyler gets his first foul with 13:00 left in the 2nd half...

8:20pm- And what do you know...The refs make number 4 pull up his pants...How mature of us.

8:21pm- If you're wondering why there's a girl dressed in a polor bear suit in the risers section...She's an old roomate of a girl I used to like...And she's dressed as a polar bear for the Focus the Nation awareness. Environmental stuff, which is also why you'll see several people down there wearing green-colored NC logos...As for the person dressed as a banana...I have no idea...But it's probably my roomate from freshman year which would really really make it a particularly awkward student section today...However, I digress and let the Blues Brothers duo cheer me up...63-40, BC mounting a comeback...Not really.

8:27pm- Carolina lost its scoring touch...8 missed shots in a row, but Ellington just knocked one down...65-46 UNC...Make it 67 for the Heels...Thompson SENDS IT IN...

8:29pm- More good D by the Tar Heels, Marcus in particular...Turns into a point at the line for Lawson...

8:30pm- And then Lawson gets 2 more...

8:31pm- Oates fouled out for BC, by the way.

8:31pm- Jason is going to go find out who is in the Banana Suit in a moment...Ellington for 3.

8:33pm- 360 Dunk by Tyler Hansbrough...And that'll get the Smith Center the loudest it's been all night...

8:34pm- Okay, Jason is on his way...We're going to find out who Banana man is...He's spoken to him...Now he's on his way back up to tell us the results...And prepare to be disappointed...He wears the suit because he is----'bananas' for Carolina basketball..........insert cricket sounds................annnnnnnnd we'll move on now...

8:37pm- 7:10 left in the game...79-50...Carolina leads by 29 and a good defensive performance so far. We'll see if they can hold onto the same type of performance the last 7 minutes.

8:39pm- In conversation with some of the other media about Banana Man...we have deduced the following...He can't be 'bananas' for Carolina Basketball because he's just one banana...Thus he is a fruit, or if you want to turn it into an adjective, he is fruity. But someone else has remarked he has appeal (get it?)...a-peel...Haha....Don't you love it when Carolina's up 30 and we can talk about topics like this.

8:42pm- Good hustle, once again, on defense and Thompson comes away with a block in the stat column.

8:44pm- And BC just can't control itself...Another turnover, and a fan lets out a very nice, Wah-Wah- Waaaaaaaaa......

8:45pm- Banana Man got me thinking of other clever costumes, and it also got me thinking about the phrase/term "Head Over Heels." Why is that a saying? I mean, does it really seem out of the ordinary that your Head is over your heels? Shouldn't the saying be "Heels Over Head." It's much funkier and more intriguing to think about and picture...I'm Heels Over Head for Carolina Basketball...Oh yea!!!.........Jeeze, what are they putting in the media's water? I need a close game to keep me on task...

8:47pm- Thompson comes out of the game with 15 points...Ellington comes out with 16...Tyler is out with 18...Lawson is out with 16...

8:48pm- Let 'Biscuit Watch' Commence...3:03 left and the Heels need 14 for Biscuits...

8:49pm-Green for 3...11 needed...

8:50pm- Green on the Ally-Oop...9 points needed for biscuits...Tanner is in for Green now...

8:51pm- Stepheson gets a block...And Tanner misses for 3...And now all the scrubs are in...Let's see if Greg Little takes a shot...I'll put money on the fact that he will...

8:52pm- Not a good showing by the scrubs tonight...

8:53pm- But a great showing by all other members of the squad...91-69 your final score...Carolina has FSU next on the schedule, and then a showdown with the Dookies...Tune in then for our next blog...What a night it will be...Next Wednesday. Be there, or be square...You know how it goes! Congrats to the Heels! We'll see you on the radio and on the Blog...Keep it dialed into 1360 WCHL and typed into the Tar Heel Basketball Blog!!!

UNC vs. MARYLAND- Snow or Not...The game will go on!

2008-01-19T11:19:00.000-05:00

11:20am- After speaking with Rick Steinbacher this morning, WCHL has learned the official ACC policy for playing a basketball game when weather may or may not play a factor. As long as both teams and at least 2 of the 3 officials can make it to the arena/gym/auditorium, the game will be played. So with thanks to Rick and the UNC officials for their heads up on this, you know that game will go on. We're 4 hours from tip-off. We'll talk to you from the Dean Dome a little later on. Stay tuned to WCHL for continuing 'Winter Weather' coverage and of course for your game coverage...If you're heading the game, be sure to listen to WCHL on your way out in case the roads are treacherous, we'll try and help tell you about the safest routes. Alllllllrighty!! See you in the snow and inside the Dean Dome! Go Heels!!

3:39pm- The snow is pouring down outside the Dean Dome, but that hasn't stopped the fans from packing into the Smith Center! We've got a great atmosphere for college basketball, and we're doing it the best way you possibly can, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina...Time for the National Anthem!

3:42pm- The Carolina highlight video before the player introductions is SICK!!!!!! They've added the Hansbrough dunk over Kenny George and the Wayne Ellington 3-pointer against Clemson...Crowd went nuts. Very cool.

3:43pm- Whew, hold onto your hats tonight ladies and gentlemen, this Dean Dome crowd is electric. Very, very loud so far and the tip is moments away.

3:45pm- And after an extremely long playing of 'Jump Around' we're ready to go! Must have been waiting for TV to catch up...Heels win the tip, but a violation is called against Thompson. Terrapins will have first crack at the basket...No good.

3:47pm- Goaltending against Maryland...Tied in the early going...Wait, now Maryland has the lead...

3:51pm- Wayne Ellington must take lessons from Psycho-T about how to make awkward baskets...But hey, a bucket is a bucket, two for 'Silk'... 8-7 Maryland leads...

3:56pm- Looks like the 'Hammer Hansbrough' philosophy will be applied early and often tonight...Tyler to the line for 2 free throws...Makes both...Heels down by 1: 15:13 left in the 1st half...

3:57pm- Maryland is doing a nice job of shooting early on...15-9 lead...

3:58pm- Number 1 Johnny Jones is sitting with Jessica Simmons directly behind the Maryland bench and where the away family members and supporters sit...I'm sure he's heckling them to death.

3:59pm- 3-pointer from Ty Lawson makes it a 3 point deficit!

4:01pm- Lawson is on fire. Another 3-pointer...2 so far in this game and then Danny Green draws the charge. 17-17 as we get an official timeout.

4:04pm-Nice work by the Tar Heels to get the ball down low to Stepheson. He jams it home, picks up the foul, and makes the free throw...Carolina by 3...10:50 to go...

4:07pm- Carolina is shooting 34% midway through the first half.

4:08pm- And there's one of the best Carolina traditions...the "Tar...Heels" chant, and it energizes Carolina for a jumper. 22-25, UNC down 3...

4:12pm- I'm getting reports that there is a half-inch of accummulated snow outside...Awesome, and it's still coming down...

4:14pm- Maryland's Gist is killing Carolina with his turn-around jumper.

4:15pm- What a nice hook shot by Tyler Hansbrough. He must want to get this game going as fast as possible, so he can go sledding later.

4:16pm- Nice job by Ginyard going to rack...Draws the foul and earns himself two shots...Heels down by 1 with 5:35 to go in the 1st...Nope, make that Heels with the lead, Lawson for 2!

4:17pm- Rarely is Tyler the one that gets posterized, but let's just say that last dunk by Maryland will be on their pre-game highlight reel next week!

4:19pm- This may just be how the entire ACC season goes for Carolina...This game is very similar to the Georgia Tech game and the Clemson game. Except maybe this time we'll get an exciting finish at home instead of on the road...And there's Marcus Ginyard drawing the offensive foul...Carolina ball when we come back...

4:20pm- 33-36...Carolina trails...2:27 left in the 1st...

4:23pm- Okay, so those snow reports I was getting earlier were wrong...I just went outside and there is no snow on the ground and it is barely falling...Hopefully next time I check I'll be as happy as I am now to finally see a close game in the Dean Dome this season, although I know that means Carolina isn't blowing out the other team...But you have to make it exciting, right?!

4:24pm- Maryalnd leads by 2...1:30 left...

4:26pm- The crowd thinks the ref missed a call...You be the judge...Q is playing a lot in this first half, by the way, and doing a good job.

4:27pm- Heels need to finish out strong...trail by 6...30 seconds left...

4:27pm- Heels basket is now good...So we go to the half with Maryland up 41 to 35 and the high-scoring Heels struggling to shoot the ball. 36% in the first half.

4:28pm- I'll be back in about 10 minutes or so...Grab a snack and prepare yourself...We're in for a good one in the 2nd half!

4:41pm- Still no snow sticking, just like many of the Tar Heel shots in the first half...Ginyard and Lawson lead the Heels with 8 points each. Hansbrough has been limited to 4 points, but he does have 8 rebounds...Gist leads Maryland with 13 points...

4:44pm- We're underway in the second half with the Tar Heels down 6 points...If a win is to happen today and the undefeated streak kept alive, it will take a come-from-behind win...3 Pointer good by Maryland. Heels down by 9.

4:48pm- A nice runner by Ellington in the lane get the Heels 37 on the day, but Maryland is shooting lights out...Carolina responds with a Deon lay-up, but then Maryland follows through with a dunk...

4:49pm- Maryland is shooting more than 50% from the field and more than 60% from 3-point range...Yes, I jinxed them...Missed 3-pointer by Maryland.

4:52pm- 2 free throws by Stepheson makes it 41-49...Carolina hanging in there.

4:55pm- Latest snow report: Snow beginning to accumulate in Durham, not yet in Chapel Hill, however...Hopefully it will soon. We can't let Duke beat us in anything, not even in snowfall totals!

4:57pm- Green's bucket is good. Heels down 9. Not time to panic yet...Still 15 minutes left. Carolina went on a 9-0 run earlier in the game.

4:58pm- Hansbrough just walked, but hey, as many say, it's not a walk if it's not called...But he walked...But no call, so instead he draws the foul and goes to the line...Makes the first, annnnnd, there's the second...Heels down 7 now...Crowd getting loud...And there goes Hansbrough spinning to the floor. Talk about digging deep, that's exactly what the Heels are going to have to do to win this game. We'll find out about some character in the next 15 minutes of basketball...Smith Center crowd is LOUD...LOUDER...and with the Maryland miss, it explodes...

5:00pm- As we strike the top of the hour, Lawson nails a deep two-pointer and Maryland has to call a timeout as the Smith Center is pulsating!

5:01pm- 3 words: "Gotta' love it!!!"

5:01pm- Hansbrough nails a 15-footer...Magic is in the air...Maybe not, the Terps hit a 3...But WAYNE ELLINGTON for 3...Heels down 5...We have ourselves a ball-game!!

5:02pm- Lead back to 7...

5:03pm- Hansbrough etches yet another highlight into his resume...Nice dunk. And Carolina gets a little lucky...Missed 3-pointer by Maryland, and then WAYNE ELLINGTON nails a shot...THIS IS THE LOUDEST THE SMITH CENTER HAS BEEN ALL SEASON...As Woody Durham would say, "Great Guuurrrdy Murrddyyy."...........Timeout.... Heels only down 2 points...

5:04pm- You'd think there was a minute left in this game with the way the energy is in here right now...But we still have 11 minutes of basketball remaining...Okay, official timeout and bathroom break. Yeah I know, too much information...But you can't say our blog doesn't have a personal touch...

5:09pm- Back...And apparantly Deon had a nice block...Green for three, no good...Heels down 4...

5:10pm- Soooo...Hansbrough is ridiculous...Green got the rebound from Ginyard's miss and just simply handed it to Hansbrough who drew the foul from two players and still managed to make the basket, and made the free throw...He will be a legend when his time at Carolina is over...

5:12pm- Ellinton hits a silky smooth bucket...And how 'bout them Tar Heels, tie ball game...

5:13pm- Deon Thompson gets the put-back to get the Tar Heels the lead...Maryland ties it back up though...We're knotted at 66...7:40 to play...

5:14pm- No only is there no snow on the ground...It's not even falling anymore...Only the Tar Heels can cheer me up.

5:14pm- Hansbrough is now the leading scorer for the Heels. He has 15 points and 9 rebounds (only had 4 points in the 1st half)...Ellington, interestingly enough, has 14 points and also 9 rebounds...It is extremely likely we will have two, double-doubles tonight from Carolina....

5:17pm- The only bad news right now is Hansbrough has 4 personal fouls...And now he's coming back into the game with 7:03 left...Maryland will go right at him I bet.

5:18pm- Deon Thompson with the bucket...Maryland responds with a dunk, but then the Heels get two, and now a foul on Danny Green...That's Carolina's 8th foul of the half...One-and-one for Maryland...1st is good...Will Graves, Ginyard, and Stepheson all come in for the Heels...2nd one FT is good...

5:19pm- Heels down 2...5:20 left...

5:21pm- Ellington has his double-double...14 points and 10 rebounds so far...

5:22pm- I watched Will Graves take about 100 three point shots before the game against Asheville, and he made about 7 or 8 out of every 10...There's his biggest 3 of his Carolina career so far...It gives the Heels the lead by 1 point with 3:46 to go...Okay, now it's crunch time...I don't know how much energy this Smith Center crowd can muster after how loud it was in here at the 12 minute mark...But we'll see...Should be good...All is good in the student section by the way...Rameses makes it down safely after surfing through the Carolina crowd...

5:25pm- Lawson on the line...makes the 1st FT, and misses the second...2 point lead for Carolina...

5:26pm- Vasquez hits the first FT and the second...Tie ballgame...

5:27pm- Ginyard is fouled hard after making a crucial rebound and he'll go to the line to shoot 2...Tie ballgame as he steps up to the blue paint...Smith Center silent...Basket good...Silence...No good...But Hansbrough with the rebound...

5:28pm- And Danny Green makes them play more than 30 seconds later with a drive to the basket, draws the foul, and makes the shot, and now on the line for 1 more point...good...Heels by 4!!!!

5:29pm- Heels by 2...

5:29pm- Under 2 to go...

5:30pm- Heels by 2...1:30 left...Maryland going to the line...

5:31pm- Someone literally just left this game...I'm upset...Tie game...Can't bare to watch...Yes I can...Green is whistled for the foul...His 4th...

5:32pm- Maryland by 2...1 minute left...

5:32pm- Despite what should have been a foul...Hansbrough is legendary...makes the bucket...Tie Ball Game...Full Timeout by the Terrapins...

5:33pm- 43 seconds left...Tied at 80...

5:35pm- Down to this...30 seconds left...Maryland has the ball...25...Basket good...

5:35pm- Carolina down 2...Ellington's 3 no good, but Tar Heel basketball with 10 seconds left...

5:35pm- Time Out...My...Oh...My...That may have been out of bounds on Carolina, but we'll just look past that fact...

5:36pm- So here's the stage...Carolina will have the ball with 10.7 seconds left with the ball underneath the basket...Down by 2...

5:37pm- Here we go...Jump Ball...Tar Heels have the possession...1.7 seconds left...Time out called...Oh boy...

5:37pm- Oh boy...

5:37pm- Oh boy....

5:38pm- Still oh boy...Here's my prediction...Ellington has had two misses in a row...They'll go back to him for the '3rd time's a charm' shot from 3-range to win...We'll see...Remember I told you this was a lot like Clemson...

5:39pm- Ouch...Maryland left Hansbrough unguarded...And you wouldn't believe it but he almost made them pay...Hansbrough's 3 goes in and out...Heels lose...That's life in the ACC folks...We'll live to see another day...Great effort, though...Signing off the blog now...Time to go get post-game comments...FINAL SCORE...CAROLINA 80, MARYLAND 82...#1 falls, but it's still early on in the season...Now only the snow can cheer me up...It better be sticking to the ground...Alright, that's it...Go Tar Heels!!!

A Disclaimer, Terrparins, and Nicknames - OH MY!

2008-01-17T08:24:00.001-05:00

1) A Disclaimer
The views of the WCHL Tar Heel Basketball Blog are those solely of the bloggers and do not necessarily reflect the views of WCHL or its parent company, VilCom.

2) Terrapins
Follow the blog this Saturday as The Deuce blogs live from the Dean E. Smith Center as Carolina takes on the University of Maryland. After being pushed to the limit by Georgia Tech on Wednesday night, how will the Tar Heels respond? Don't miss the minute-by-minute updates you'll find on the WCHL Tar Heel Basketball Blog. Blogging begins this Saturday at 3:30 pm.

3) Nicknames
We have a number of nicknames for some of the Carolina players that we reference while blogging so to make sure everyone is up to speed, I ("I" being Slash) have compiled a list of my nicknames along with the reason for those nicknames. Hopefully, The Deuce will add his nicknames and reasons as well so that no one feels left out. Alas, here goes:

Wayne "Silk" Ellington
Reason (Slash): Because his game is silky smooth, baby. Plus, "The Duke" is wrong for so many reasons.

"Hey Hey!" Danny Green
Reason (Slash): It just sounds cool to say every time he makes an awesome play!

Tyler MANsbrough
Reason (Slash): do you really need an explanation!?

Ty-Ty Lawson

Reason (Slash): Coach calls him "Denise the Menace", but he's well-deserving of his own juvenile moniker.

Deon "WE HERE!" Thompson
While his play doesn't warrant his earning a nickname just yet, Bobby Frasor has mentioned that Thompson frequently yells "We Here!" after making a big play in practice...or whenever he's in a good mood.
(I know I killed the consistency of the shape of the photos, but this shot is amazing)

Do you have a nickname for some of the guys that are without one? Feel free to let us know and we'll begin to use it in the blog (if we feel like it, of course).

I kid, I kid.

CAROLINA versus NC STATE- Tip-off=12 NOON

2008-01-12T10:28:00.000-05:00

10:29am- A bright and early game to begin your weekend...The Tar Heels will host the Wolfpack today at Noon. Walter Storholt ('The Deuce') is here for you to provide all sorts of inside information on what's happening throughout the game today. Although I'm not actually in the Dean Dome yet, I will be there shortly. So grab a snack in just a bit, kick back, and follow along on the blog as you watch or listen to the game!

10:33am- See you at the Dean Dome in a few!

12:20pm- Okay, after a little delay due to some technical difficulties, we are underway at the Dean Dome...By the way, thank you to the always reliable Jason Kahn for getting us hooked up and in action!!

12:21pm- The score was 9-9 just a few minutes ago after Quentin Thomas made two great spin moves and two great assists. Then Tyler Hansbrough drove to the rack hard and picked up a huge foul...He got smaked right across the nose, lost a contact, and went to the line to shoot two free throws...He's a monster if you haven't noticed over the past three years...And then Carolina continues its run with just plain, pure and simple hustle. Stepheson, Lawson, Ellington...The entire team is flying around showing State what they're made of...16-9 with 11:45 left in the 1st half...

12:24pm- 'Q' comes out of the game after a very long stint at point. He did an excellent job...Roy must be pleased...

12:25pm- Okay folks, this team is special...Several blocks in this game, but there's another one, and then in transition Ginyard converts and picks up the foul. 19-11 Tar Heels with 10 to go...

12:26pm- Green is now in on the action. He goes coast-to-coast for the bucket!

12:27pm- Okay, we've got a second to catch our collective breath with that NC State timeout. Feel free to send us comments and questions about what might be going on inside the Dean Dome today, by the way! This Smith Center crowd is packed, and being treated to some great Carolina basketball.

12:28pm- Halfway through the 1st half and already 6 Tar Heels have put points up on the board...Only 3 players have done-so for State.

12:33pm- MONSTER Dunk by Hansbrough...All alone...Great play by all the Tar Heels. State is clearly out-matched. 25-11 Heels...Remember the game was 9-9...

12:35pm- Despite State's best efforts to sllliiddeee Tyler across the floor, the attempts are futile and the big man dishes to Danny Green for the lay-up, and then one of the State players loses a shoe...Figures...CAROLINA on a 20 to 2 Run!!

12:37pm- As the Smith Center rises to its feet, let's keep track of this run...22-2 now...

12:38pm- DEON is HERE...to make it 24-2 run...And here's Lawson, shot no good, rebound by Psycho-T, but play is to no avail...Run still intact, however.

12:39pm- This is almost sad because State CANNOT get a bucket to fall...But then again, it's not that sad...Official timeout with 3:41 to play in the half. 33-11 Carolina, still on the 24-2 run!

12:42- State is shooting 5 of 28 from the field! Carolina is 12 of 31 and made 9 of 11 free throws...

12:43- This is so bad...State can't make a lay-up, and meanwhile, Q makes a basket off the glass...Run is stretched to 28 to 2, and also 21 to 0 (After State made it 16-11)...

12:44pm- Okay, State is at the point where they're getting flustered and just throwing the ball off of Carolina players' legs, not even in an attempt to get it out of bounds, just to get out of trouble...Which! is troublesome...

12:45pm- And then it hits me...I really wish John Stillman were here to tell me his thoughts on this game. I can just imagine.

12:47pm- Carolina is playing absolutely incredible right now...Part of this is because State is so bad, but who cares...

12:47pm- Never thought you'd here the day when Carolina fans would cheer for State making a basket? Well it just happened. Basketball good by the Wolfpack and Carolina fans erupt in cheer.

12:48pm- And then Carolina doesn't fail to respond, basket good, and then State is back to its missing ways.

12:48pm- State's final possession of the half is coming with 2.2 seconds left!

12:50pm- Okay, so after the 6 minute mark, Carolina goes on a 34-4 run to end the half! Crazy. And then there was the no-score run that ended at 1:20 left...that's a 23 to 0 run embedded in that 34-4 run...SOOOOO, score at the half: 43-13...CAROLINA UP BY 30!!! Ouch...

12:53pm- Okay, it's half-time now. We'll take a break and be back with some stats and stuff.

1:06pm- Alrighty, State opens up the 2nd half with a bucket, and Lawson responds with a 3 AND then a transition point after a steal and assist by Ellington.

1:07pm- Want to give a shout-out to Briana Gorman. She used to be a weekly guest on the Friday Night Pep Rally two years ago and she is covering the game today for the Durham-Herald Sun. Good to see her doing well and still around UNC!

1:08pm- State just got a steal and had a 4 on 0 fast-break and somehow managed to take 3 or 4 steps, but no travel called. Pity call possibly?

1:09- There's Lawson with the steal, break, and lay-up...53-19...Yes you saw that right.

1:11pm- After a nice 1st half, 'Q' returns to the court.

1:14pm- Want to give major props to the local high school team, East Chapel Hill. The Wildcats defeated Southern Durham last night, handing the Spartans their first conference loss of the season. The Wildcats won 56-52 on double-figure scoring from Ty Alston, Richard Dowdy, and Demario Evans. SD's Jamario Clayton had 24, but it wasn't enough for the Spartans, and East moves within 1 win of Southern Durham for 1st in the Pac-6 conference. You can tune into high school basketball every Tuesday and Friday night at 7pm on 1360 WCHL!

1:16pm- Who said Tyler had a weak jumper? Psycho hits a deep 2 for the 57-22 Carolina lead.

1:19pm- Pretty, pretty play by Marcus 'The Spider' Ginyard...The bucket and the foul...the free throw is no good, but Stepheson steps up for the rebound...And now Marcus is down on the ground... Hold the phone folks...

1:20pm- And he's up. Might have just had the wind knocked out of him. He's okay and on the bench resting now. Ellington comes in for him.

1:21pm- Stepheson rolls in a difficult shot, and then Hansbrough the next time down the court, draws the fould...To the line for 2, and he makes 1...and now he makes the 2nd...62-29 Tar Heels...

1:26pm- Lawson from 3=good...Air ball by State...

1:27pm- Tar Heels are shooting close to 50 percent from the field, but State is at about 25 percent! Not good...And there's ELLINGTON FOR A WIDE OPEN 3!!! 69-39 North Carolina Tar Heels in the lead by 30.

1:30pm- Ty Lawson and Tyler Hansbrough each have 13 points...Wayne 'Weezy' Ellington has 11, Deon Thompson with 10, Danny Green with 9, Stepheson has 6, Ginyard 5, Thomas 2...9:14 left in the 2nd half.

1:34pm- You don't usually see Mike Copeland into the game with 7:56 to play in the game, but y8ou due when you play State...Ouch, sorry State fans. You'll be back on pace soon. We wish you the best of luck throughout the rest of the season...

1:37pm- And with those 2 free throws, believe it or not, that's Brandon Costner's first points of the game...Wow...And Ty Lawson responds with a 3...And for some reason, Rameses makes his way to press row and hits me in the back. Thanks!

1:39pm- Q with a 3 pointer. Nice! Standing ovation for the senior.

1:41pm- Q.Thomas with a no-look pass and he gets the assist! Continuing to have a great game.

1:42pm- Psycho with a nice feed from the point down to Deon, and the Heels convert the 2...Q comes out of the game to a nice round-of-applause. 86-53 UNC. 3:48 to go.

1:49pm- And the Tar Heels will send in all 5 new players...Wood, Campbell, Wooten, Little, and Tanner....1:14 to go...

1:49pm- And there's 3 points by JB Tanner.

1:50pm- And Surry Wood almost gets a nice reverse lay-up. Patrick Moody will come in for Tanner.

1:51pm- And there's Greg Little missing the DUNK, but Patrick Moody is there to follow it up. Boy, even the reserves are fun to watch and outscoring State today.

1:52pm- And the fans have started the 'Start the Tractors' chant...Don't like that, farming is a very respectible job in my opinion. But the performance by NC State in this game was not. 93-62 is the final score. Carolina is your victor. We're off to do post-game interviews. Stay tuned to WCHL throughout the week and on our website for more coverage and interviews! Way to go Tar Heels. Talk to you soon, folks! May you enjoy singing the alma matter!

Wait a Minute...He's How Tall???

2008-01-09T17:47:00.000-05:00

Tonight, Carolina welcomes a distant cousin of sorts to the Dean E. Smith Center. UNC-Asheville comes to town...and with them, a 7'7" center name Kenny George.

Whoa.

Also, if - for some catastrophic reason - you didn't turn down the sound, but instead decided to listen to the television play-by-play, then listen in for the blog's very own, Walter "The Deuce" Storholt providing national coverage on ESPNU. I'm sure this is only the beginning of The Deuce's burgeoning career on the national level!

The Deuce!

We haven't arrived at the Smith Center just yet. In fact, we're an hour and some change away from tip-time, but make sure you keep your web browser right here on the WCHL Tar Heel Basketball Blog!

(Thanks to Ms. Player Profile, I'm going to try to backtrack some things that were missed before we were able to log on for the game...traffic was CRAZY!!!)

7:12 - Wayne Ellington for two to make it 14-6, Carolina.

7:17 - Stepheson scores to make it 16-10, Carolina.

7:19 - 20-10, Carolina.

7:20 - We finally made it. Someone needs to talk to UNC's Department of Public Safety. Driving to the Smith Center for a 7-o'clock game on a week night was horrendous!

7:21 - Obviously, we join the game in progress...20-10, Carolina. Make that 20-13, Carolina, after UNC-A's Reid Augst (no typo) nails a three pointer. Kenny George is HUGE!

7:22 - It's a three-point shootout. There have been four combined three pointers nailed by the two squads. 26-18, Carolina.

7:23 - Kenny George will be the newest edition of the 2009 edition of the Harlem Globetrotters. He's GINORMOUS, but he makes some moves that appear effortless. Like dunking...without barely jumping. In all seriousness, he is playing a lot better than he did last year against Carolina. In case you're wondering, this is their third visit to the Dean Dome.

7:26 - 26-22, Carolina. Welcome back to Alex Stepheson, who rejoined the team this week.

7:27 - In case you've been looking for it, the Dot on the Spot report is coming at halftime. We're still playing catch up here. I'll even provide insight into our main man, The Deuce, who's looking quite dapper as part of the ESPNU broadcast crew.

7:29 - 28-25, Carolina. Here comes a Danny Green slam. Two points in style! He has ten points to lead Carolina. 30-25.

7:30 - Another dunk. This time from Hansbrough who seemed a bit angry! UNC-A comes back to score to make it 32-27. Ellington answers with three and then Ty-Ty fakes a UNC-A defender out of his shoes on a drive to the basket to make it 37-27, Carolina, with 5:53 remaining in the first half.

7:36 - Ginyard slams home two in a secondary break to make it 39-29. Bryan Smithson answers to make it 39-32.

7:38 - George effortlessly dunks again to make it 39-34. He's LARGE!

7:41 - 46-36, Carolina with 2:13 to play. Fifth three pointer of the half just hit by Will Graves.

7:42 - After UNC-A scores, Ty-Ty pushes the ball back to score, then gets a steal and goes up for another layup before getting fouled. He nailed them both. 50-38, Carolina with 1:37 to play.

7:44 - "Gotdangit! Don't reach!" Man, after committing that foul, I bet Deon Thompson wish he wasn't here...(in reference to the blog's nickname of Thompson being "We Here!", which his catch-phrase, according to Bobby Frasor)

7:45 - Ellington nails Carolina's sixth three pointer of the half (and his third) to make it 53-38 before UNC-A's KJ Garland answers before the buzzer sounds to make it 53-40 at the half. After a few careless mistakes to close the half, Roy is not happy.

7:53 - Stats are in, stats are in! Points: Ellington, 15; Green, 12; Lawson, 8; Hansbrough, 6; Thompson, 4; Ginyard & Graves, 3; Stepheson, 2...Rebounds: Thompson, 6; Ellington, Ginyard & Green, 4; Hansbrough, 3; Lawson, 2; Copeland, Stepheson & Thompson, 1...Assists: Green & Lawson, 4; Ellington, Ginyard, Hansbrough & Thomas, 1...Steals: Green & Lawson, 2; Hansbrough & Thompson, 1

7:58 - BTW, Hansbrough went and got his ears clipped. He's got a nice short 'do that is to the liking of many.

7:59 - All I'll say is it's tight on press row...and I'm not talking "cool" tight.

8:03 - Game on!

8:04 - Blase' start to the second half.

8:05 - OMG!!!! Tyler just climbed Mount George! I don't care about press row etiquette! If you missed it, search for the clip which is sure to be on YouTube soon.

8:07 - 58-45, Carolina, with 17:37 to play.

8:07 - Three pointer by Lawson makes it 61-45. Ty-Ty has eleven.

8:08 - Break in the action. Time now for the Dot on the Spot Report: Dot is dressed down a bit on this Simple Wednesday evening. White cashmere sweater and Carolina blue slacks. With flashing blue glasses. Go Dot! Oh yeh...non-matching red nails. Points off, Dot! Sponsorship still remains available for this feature on the blog. Call the radio station today.

8:09 - Someone who is dressed dapper and looking quite professional is The Deuce. He's got a power blazer on with a stylish Carolina blue tie as he sits at the ESPNU booth. The Deuce is, indeed, loose.

8:12 - Fast break and slam dunk by Ellington makes it 65-49, Carolina with 14:39 to play. Time out on the court.

8:12 - I take it that it's too late to offer predictions (sad face).

8:13 - I will toss the question out there to be debated: after his solid performance on Sunday that coincides with an overall improved "game" from last season, can the question be asked if Wayne Ellington is becoming a co-leader or sole leader of this team? He is playing with such a confidence level and leading by example so much so that I feel the question has to be asked.

8:15 - "Silky" Ellington slams home two on a solo fast break to make it 67-49. He has 19.

8:16 - Q jump shot makes it 69-51.

8:20 - Two turnovers by Hansbrough makes things a bit interesting. 71-53 with 11:53 to play.

8:21 - Time now for the most overdone in-game performance in UNC history. The severely stale Blues Brothers act. It's so 1987 - and this is coming from a fan of film. Rick Steinbacher will be called about this. (Just kidding. I don't like this act. OK, I do.)

8:23 - Alley oop from UNC-A's Smithson to John Williams makes it 71-57. Williams went and got it, too.

8:24 - After a score by Carolina, Smithson nails a three pointer to make it 73-60, Carolina.

8:25 - FYI, George grew an inch since last year! He lays on two stretch out double beds! (info courtesy of Woody Durham)

8:26 - 75-60, Carolina, with 9:30 to play.

8:27 - UNC-A scores and Hansbrough comes back and goes right at George, making him pick up his third foul. Just so you know, this is Hansbrough's 100th game as a Tar Heel. Of those games, he has amassed 42 double-doubles. Speaking of Hansbrough, he scores again to make the score 78-62. He has 16.

8:29 - Smithson has 21 points for UNC-A.

8:30 - After Augst makes one of two free throws and UNC-A converts after the rebound, the score is 78-65.

8:31 - Williams scores to make it 78-67. UNC-A has hit seven of their last eight shots. Their creepin' on a come-up!

8:34 - UNC-A is shooting 61% compared to Carolina who is shooting 44%. Not good. Score is 80-67 with 6:44 to play. Make that 80-69.

8:36 - Ty-Ty drives it to the hoop and is fouled on a drive to the basket. Refs call intentional foul. Ty-Ty nails them both and Carolina maintains possession. On the play, Ginyard hurt his wrist. 82-69, Carolina with 5:56 to play.

8:38 - Stepheson just fouled out with 5:47 to play. Hats off to the young man who has to be playing with a heavy heart (his father is ill in California).

8:39 - "Put in Moody!" a fan yells, in reference to walk-on, Patrick Moody. Come on, guy - this game isn't nearly over.

8:39 - UNC-A cuts the score to 82-72.

8:40 - Thompson's at the line shooting two. He nails them both to give him eight and the Tar Heels a 84-72 lead before George comes back and dunks for UNC-A. Without leaving his feet.

8:41 - Roy will probably have to face a grand jury. Charge: attempted murder of the scorers' table. Talk about upset...

8:42 - Hansbrough's called for his second travel for of the game within the last few minutes. It's Carolina's seventh turnover within the last nine minutes.

8:45 - Carolina leads by ten with 3:45 remaining and UNC-A maintaining possession. Carolina currently has the rebounding edge, 38-25, despite UNC-A having a 7'7 center in for at least half the game.

8:46 - Hansbrough goes at George again with success. He has 20. Surprisingly, George has not fouled out of a game this season. He's teetering in dangerous territory, though. He goes to the bench with four with 2:54 remaining. After free throws by Hansbrough, it's 88-74.

8:47 - Ty-Ty drives in and scores to make it 90-74. He has 15 points.

8:48 - Hansbrough has 22 and he's at the line shooting two. He nails one of two to make it 91-74.

8:49 - Ty-Ty wills a layup in the hoop to add to Carolina's lead with 1:45.

8:50 - "We want Mooo-daaaayy!!!!" The kid has fans.

8:51 - Carolina has embarked on a 9-0 run since its previous time-out. That has come to an end as Vincent James nails two for UNC-A to make it 93-75 with 1:37 remaining.

8:51 - Hansbrough has tied Phil Ford for most free throws made; he's tied for third in makes and owns second place in attempts behind Lennie Rusenbluth.

8:53 - With one minute remaining and press row breaking down it's time to power down the blog. Stats coming soon.

8:55 - Final score: Carolina 93, UNC-Asheville, 81.

9:10 - Final Stats. Points: Hansbrough, 23; Ellington, 19; Lawson, 17; Green, 14; Thompson, 8; Ginyard, 5; Graves, 3; Stepheson & Thompson, 2...Rebounds: Thompson, 9; Hansbrough, 8; Ginyard, 7; Green, 6; Lawson, 5; Ellington, 4; Stepheson, 2; Copeland & Thomas, 1...Assists: Green & Lawson, 7; Ellington & Thomas, 2; Hansbrough & Ginyard, 1...Steals: Green & Lawson, 3; Hansbrough, 2; Ellington, Ginyard & Thompson, 1

9:11 - Again, congratulations to our very own, Walter "The Deuce" Storholt, who helped with the games coverage and even provided some play-by-play of tonight's game which was carried on television by ESPNU. Great job, you ol' pro!

Walter (left) along with fellow ESPNU announcers, Fran Fraschilla (center) and Ron Franklin (right).

Carolina versus Kent State on a Cold Night...BRRR!!!

2008-01-02T19:49:00.000-05:00

The WCHL Tar Heel Basketball Blog is online as Carolina gets set to take on Kent State University. It's Slash along with Ms. Player Profile bringing you all of the insight for the game which tips off in approximately ten minutes.

7:52 - The Golden Flashes!? The Kent State Golden Flashes??? Well, I won't say much. The...Golden Flashes come in with a 10-2 record with their most impressive win being a 73-55 defeat of George Mason (yes, that George Mason). Junior Al Fisher comes into the game after winning MAC Player of the Week last week so look for him to attempt to have a highlight-filled game against the Tar Heels. For the Heels, who will step up tonight (outside of Hansbrough, who's always on)? Will we get a repeat performance from Will Graves who gave fans a 14-point performance on Sunday? Will 'Q' suit up tonight and provide solid play for the Tar Heel Nation? We'll find out tonight!

8:00 - No tip off, but score predictions: 89-78 from Ms. Player Profile; I'm not too convinced that it'll be so close so I'll say 91-75. Carolina has a clear height advantage and the team has strung together a number confidence-building games. I don't believe it will end tonight.

8:01 - Ball's in the air - game on! Tip won by Kent State.

8:04 - After free throws by Thompson, KSU runs a textbook pick 'n roll (Jordan Mincy to Haminn Quaintance) to answer back...before MANsbrough throws down a textbook slam dunk. KSU answers and then Ellington answers. 6-4, Carolina.

8:05 - Ty-Ty to MANsbrough for another slam dunk. 8-4 with 17:36 to play.

8:06 - "Tar...HEELS!" The fans started early tonight.

8:07 - Time out on the court - perfect time for our Dot on the Spot Report, brought to you by...it's not sponsored??? Oh. Well, Dot is in a simple, yet classy powder blue cashmere sweater with khaki slacks; and, of course, she has on her blinking shades. Go Dot!

8:09 - Wayne Ellington's jumper...bea-U-tiful. 10-4, Carolina with 15:50 to play.

8:11 - As a side note, Hansbrough was recognized as the player of the game when Carolina played Valparaiso. I would've thought the awar would have to go Thompson who have five blocks and altered a number of other shots. Of course, maybe that's why I'm writing on this blog and not on someone's sideline coaching. I'll just keep typing...

8:13 - Three pointer by Green makes it 13-6, Carolina. After a KSU turnover, Ty-Ty shows the crowd that he's not only fast, but strong as he bowls his way to a shot at the rim. 15-6, Carolina. Make that 17-6 after a tip-in by Mike "What up What up!" Copeland (with more minutes come acknowledgment of his already established nickname.

8:15 - Surge by KSU makes it 17-13 before Lawson answers. 19-13 with 12:25 to play.

8:17 - Have I mentioned that Ellington's misses our prettier than 90% of all makes that you will ever witness? I have in not so many words? Oh. Well, carry on.

8:21 - Early numbers, Carolina's shooting 53% while KSU is shooting a respectable 45%.

8:22 - Basket by Thomspon makes it 21-13. He has been playing with quite the level of aggression over the last three games.

8:24 - Haminn Quaintance has dreads that are held in place by some piece of white cloth that is hanging on for dear life. Just thought that you would like to know that.

8:26 - Tyler's fouled on a breakaway dunk and the crowd is teetering on the edge of rioting. After he nailed the free throws (and Coach Williams demanded the photographers - whom Tyler landed on - to back up), all is well in the Dean Dome. 26-13, Carolina with 8:57 to play.

8:28 - Ty-Ty knocks down a three pointer to increase the lead to 16.

8:32 - KSU has committed 8 turnovers while Carolina just committed it's second. Ty-Ty has ten points to lead Carolina in scoring. 31-15, Carolina, with 6:28 to play.

8:35 - Quaintance should never put the ball on the floor. He just committed his third travel (that was called by the officials, at least). 33-19 with 5:23 to play.

8:38 - Another travel - this time on Chris Singletary.

8:39 - Ellington's official nickname - and remember where you read it first - is Silky. His game is like silk, just so elegant and smooth. 37-19, Carolina, with 3:34 to play. Make that 37-21 after Singletary answers for KSU. 3:24 to play. Time out on the court.

8:43 - Hansbrough at the line for two. He nails them both to give him ten. 41-23 with 2:22 to play.

8:45 - Quaintance scores for KSU to make it 41-25. He has ten for...the Golden Flashes. For some reason, I keep hearing, "Maniac", the song from Flash Dance every time KSU scores.

8:47 - Just like that, KSU goes on a 7-0 run to make it 41-30.

8:49 - Roy Report: turnover by Ty-Ty towards the end of the quarter causes Roy to slam his back into his chair. I feel sorry for that chair. KSU answers with a dunk by Mike Scott before Ellington hits a long-distance three to close the half with the score 44-32, Carolina.

8:57 - Stats are in! Points: Ellington, 11; Hansbrough & Lawson, 10; Green, 5; Copeland & Thompson, 4...Rebounds: Green, 4; Graves, 3; Copeland, Ginyard, Hansbrough, and Thompson, 2; Lawson, 1...Assists: Lawson, 4; Ellington, Ginyard, Green, & Hansbrough, 1...Steals: Thompson, 2...Green, 1

8:59 - Five minutes until game is back on.

9:06 - Game on!

9:08 - Three by Ty-Ty makes it47-34. He has 13 for the game.

9:09 - Thompson grabs a rebound and puts in back in for Carolina to make it 17:23. Singletary answers back to make it 49-36 with 17:09 to play.

9:10 - Silky knocks down a jumper to make it 51-36, Carolina.

9:11 - Ginyard's dunk attempt is rejected and then KSU answers with a dunk in transition to make it 51-38. After being fouled, Silky's on the line shooting two. He missed them both before Ty-Ty scores in the lane to make it 53-38 with 15:56 to play. Time out on the court.

9:17 - Fisher shoots an airball and the crowd lets him hear it. Maybe they're still upset at his intentional foul against Hansbrough earlier. Yes, he was the culprit.

9:19 - Ginyard down a long two pointer to make it 57-40 with 14:29 to play.

9:20 - Scott scores for KSU to make it 57-42 with 13:48 to play.

9:22 - Hansbrough bullies his way to the rim before getting fouled. He knocks them both down to make it 59-42.

9:23 - Slam dunk by Hansbrough makes it 61-42, Carolina. The crowd likes it. They like a lot. Time out on the court with 12:51 to play.

9:28 - Hansbrough scores to get Carolina across the 20-point lead threshold for the first time in the game. 63-42 with 11:17 to play. Hansbrough has 16 points so far. Time out on the court.

9:33 - Ellington bowls in for two points to make it 65-44.

9:34 - Where is Alex Stepheson? As Ms. Player Profile just pointed out, not only did he not dress for tonight's game, but he's not even on the bench.

9:37 - Family illness, according to a source of the WCHL Tar Heel Basketball Blog. We wish his family member a speedy recovery.

9:38 - Tyler scores again to make it 71-48 with 7:47 to play. He also has an "and 1" opportunity to add a point. Time out on the court. Tyler nailed the free throw.

9:40 - Comical scene as KSU missed three shot attempt and the ball bounced in and out of the hands of Tar Heels before Carolina finally recovers.

9:41 - Hansbrough scores again to push the score to 74-48. He has 21 points.

9:42 - Hansbrough at the line for a one-and-one opportunity. He nails them both.

9:43 - Mike Scott slams home two for KSU on a tip-in. It was so nice, even a Carolina fan yelled, "Where's the replay!?" 76-50.

9:44 - Hansbrough at the line shooting two (do we have a recurring them here?). He nails them both. 78-50 with 5:46 remaining.

9:44 - Green yanks down a rebound and then puts it back for two to push the lead to 30.

9:46 - Green at the line shooting two. He nails them both to push the lead back to 30. 82-52 with 4:30 to play.

9:47 - Graves sinks his first two to push the lead to 32 before Rashad Woods answers for KSU. 84-54 with 3:17 to play.

9:51 - J.B. Tanner and Marc Campbell are in the game so you know this one's over. 2:29 just has to run off the clock.

Valpa...How Do You Say That Again!?

2007-12-30T19:04:00.001-05:00

The WCHL Tar Heel Basketball Blog is back at it as Valparaiso University comes to the Dean E. Smith Center so without further ado Slash and Ms. Player Profile are here to provide all of the details of tonight's game.

Things to look for:

- how will the Tar Heels respond to life without Bobby Frasor, who tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) this past Thursday against University of Nevada?

- who will step up in his absence?

- what will Dot O'Brien's attire consist of?

We'll provide insight and more all right here on the WCHL Tar Heel Basketball Blog!

7:17 - "Is that 'Q'!?" Jessica asks. Yes, that is Quentin Thomas dressed in street clothes (a nice suit, to be exact). There's goes his candidacy of being the Tar Heel to step up in Bobby's absence. For tonight, at least.

7:24 - Again, never...ever buy tickets to seats right behind press row. All you will see are the backs of journalists. Remember: journalists' backs are ugly. You're better off just watching the game on the big screen at Top of the Hill.

7:25 - Can someone leave a comment and let us know where Valparaiso University is? (note: I found out that Valparaiso is in Indiana)

7:40 - We're minutes away from the game. I just learned from a WCHL Tar Heel Basketball blog source that Marcus will start at the three as usual, but will slide over to the point when Ty-Ty needs a breather. Also, 'Q' rolled his ankle in practice, hence, the reason he did not suit up.

7:42 - After starting the previous game, Danny Green is starting the game in the fans' preferred position - on the bench. Definitely not due to performance on the court. No, solely because of his dancing performance every time "Jump Around" blares right at tip-off. He did not disappoint tonight, either.

7:43 - Game's started. Carolina won the tip, but failed to convert. The 'D' just held Valpo's offense to no shot attempt as the shot clock evaporated.

7:45 - Deon puts the first two points on the board.

7:47 - By the way (from here forward, typed as 'BTW'), score prediction: 81-74, Carolina. Valpo's a tough team that is quite capable of knocking down shots from the outside.

7:48 -Ty-Ty for two makes it 4-0, Carolina with 16:53 to go. He's fast and efficient near the basket. After a Valpo miss, Deon hits two in the paint to make it 6-0 with 16:23 to go.

7:49 - He is, indeed, here. Deon "We Here!" Thompson again. 8-0.

7:50 -Mike Copeland is getting ready to check-in. That is not a typo.

7:51 - We should have an interesting match-up at the point as Valpo's Jarryd Loyd is quite the little speedster himself.

7:52 - After a nifty spin move and finish by Tyler MANsbrough, it's 10-0, Carolina.

7:52 - Wayne Ellington just finished a fast break layup despite being nearly decapitated by a Valpo defender. Time out on the court with Ellington still awaiting a free throw attempt. 12-0, Carolina.

7:53 - Ms. Player Profile's prediction, BTW, is 98-62. So far, that seems very realistic. Quite random, but Valpo has quite the international squad with players from Finland (2), Jamaica, Germany, New Zealand. So far it hasn't helped as they have been unable to score for close to seven minutes now. 13-0, Carolina.

7:57 - Valpo's Loyd makes it 13-2, Carolina.

7:58 - Hansbrough for two in the paint makes it 15-2, Carolina and Thompson just told a Valpo defender "We Here!" in the form of a nasty shot rejection at the basket. Time out on the court with 11:52 to play in the first half.

7:59 - Dot on the Spot Report: Dot O'Brien is wearing a stylish white sweater complete with hand-painted tar heels (the UNC foot-thingy) all over it along with matching shades. I have to get a picture of this to post on the blog.

8:02 - "We Here!" Thompson just rejected a Valpo shot that started the break for Carolina with a finish by Ginyard at the basket. 19-2, Carolina.

8:04 - Valpo's Brandon McPherson makes it 19-4, Carolina.

8:05 - After Thompson was fouled, we got a quick glimpse of 'Psycho T' who took exception to getting tangled up with Valpo's Jake Diebler.

8:06 - After a three by Bouchie, Tyler knocks down two to make it 22-7 (Thompson hit one of two free throw attempts BTW).

8:07 - Samuel Haanpaa gets away with a travel and finishes in the basket to add two more to Valpo's score. After a couple of scores by both squads, it's 24-12, Carolina, with 7:18 to play.

8:11 - Ty-Ty's going to be tired once this one's over. He's had a very limited break from the action so far and Valpo's Loyd has eight of Valpo's 15 points. 26-15, Carolina.

8:12 - Three more for Loyd. 26-18, Carolina, until Danny Green knocks down a three of his own to push Carolina's lead to 11.

8:13 - A floater by Danny makes it 31-18, Carolina.

8:15 - Another two pointer by Green after a Valpo score makes it 33-20. Time out on the court with 3:13 to play.

8:18 - Another basket by Thompson gives Carolina 35 before Valpo answers with a three pointer. 35-23 with 1:56 to play in the half.

8:21 - Lead is down to seven. Haanpaa knocks down a three pointer for Valpp. 35-28 with 37.8 seconds to play in the half. Time out on the court. Carolina has possession of the ball.

8:23 - Hansbrough on the line for two. He (gasp) missed the first. Nails the second. 36-28, Carolina. Valpo will hold for last shot of the half. Good 'D' by Ty-Ty, but Loyd nailed another three pointer to make it 36-31, Carolina at halftime. Stats to come shortly. Fans no likey the tight first half.

8:28 - A student almost hit the half court shot to win...some prize. I can't remember what it was, but the biggest prize within itself would be hitting a half court shot in front of 21,000+ plus people. The ball circled around the top of the rim before bouncing out. Darn!

8:33 - Stats are in! Points:Hansbrough and Thompson, 9; Green, 7; Ginyard, 4; Ellington, 3; Copeland and Lawson, 2...Hansbrough, 7; Thompson, 5; Ellington, 3; Ginyard, 2; Copeland, Graves, Lawson, and Stepheson, 1...Assists: Ellington, 4; Ginyard, Green, and Lawson, 2; Hansbrough and Thompson, 1...Steals: Green, 2; Ginyard and Lawson, 1...Blocks: Thompson, 3; Hansbrough, 1...stats courtesy of Ms. Player Profile.

8:34 - Five more minutes and the game is back on.

8:41 - Game on!

8:43 - Valpo's Shawn Huff was determined to score. His driving layup makes it 36-33, Carolina. I'm sure there are a number of sweaty palms in the arena right now.

8:44 - Charge by Hansbrough turns the ball over and infuriates the crowd. After a finish by Haanpaa, it's 36-35 Valpo with 17:47 to play.

8:45 - After Lawson hit one of two free throws, the score is 37-35 before Huff scores again for Valpo to tie the game up. Valpo has the ball now, matter of fact, and a chance to take the lead for the first time in the game.

8:47 - Tyler just took a charge for the Tar Heels and now Thompson is on the line shooting two. He hits them both. 39-37, Carolina, with 16:29 to play.

8:48 - After a Valpo miss, Green knocks down a three and then rejects a Valpo shot for good measure.

8:51 - "Get yours eyes right...you flippin' idiot!" a (female) fan yelled from behind press row. I assume directed at an official after a foul was called on Hansbrough while going for a rebound. The quote is unedited, too. 42-37, Carolina, with 15:23 to play. Time out on the floor.

8:52 - Green knocks down another three pointer. 45-37, Carolina. 14:28 to play.

8:53 - Ty-Ty hits another. 48-37, Carolina. After shooting 1 for 7 on three point attempts, UNC has hit 3 of 5 in the second half. Solid improvement. Time out on the court. 14:01 to play.

8:54 - FYI, Valpo's shooting 34.1% while Carolina's shooting 48.7 percent. UNC is owning the board with a 28 to 13 edge on the boards.

8:56 - Jarryd Loyd is a short, feisty "beast" as Ms. Player Profile just said. However, I'd still take Danny Green over him any day. Green just knocked another three to make it 51-39 with 12:57 to play. Green leads the team in scoring with 16 points including nine this half.

8:59 - Another two points by Green makes it 53-39 and then a steal and slam by Ginyard almost "brings the house down". It was so good, Bobby Frasor stood up for it. Thompson just notched his fourth block of the game. He comes into the game averaging a tad over 1 a game so this helps his numbers. 55-39.

9:03 - Thompson has block number five. Talk about playing aggressive.

9:07 - Graves knocks down three to push the lead to 23 and then knocks down a two pointer to make it 64-39. What's funny is that Roy fussed at Graves for passing instead of shooting a shot while he had a look from in front of the Carolina bench. It seems safe to say that Graves is a good listener.

9:10 - Steal and layup by Loyd makes it 64-41, Carolina. Loyd has 18. Hansbrough answers with a slam that fans liked a lot. 66-41 with 7:48 to play. Time out on the court.

9:16 - Hansbrough knocked down two free throws for Carolina and then Loyd answered for Valpo to make the score 68-44. 6:54 to play.

9:18 - 72-46 with 6 minutes to play. Ty-Ty made a steal and passed to Hansbrough who was tackled mid-air by Valpo's Howard Little. Intentional foul called by the ref. Countless expletives spewed by Tyler's entourage (that being the crowd). Tyler then proceeded to slam home two after knocking down the free throws.

9:22 - After a lot of action, the score is 76-46 with 5:07 to play. Stepheson hit one of two free throws to push Carolina's lead up by one.

9:23 - Green drives and hit two for Carolina after a Valpo score. 79-48 with 4:34 to play. Carolina has outscored Valpo 41 to 17 in the second half. Green has also tied a career high with 20 points so far. Let's break it, Danny!

9:25 - Graves just hit another three pointer to push the lead to 82-48, Carolina. Graves has eight for Carolina.

9:27 - Thompson five blocks are a career high and go along nicely with his 11 points and six boards.

9:27 - For the game, Carolina has upped their shooting to 53% while Valpo is shooting 34%; rebounds, Carolina continues to own the boards with 38 boards while Valpo has 21.

9:30 - Graves hit another three pointer. 85-49 with 2:45 to play. He has 11. Wait. He hit another. 14 points. 88-49 with 2:32. The end of the bench is getting in early tonight. Football fans, Greg Little is in the game.

9:34 - Time's winding down...5...4...3...2...1. Final score, Carolina 90, Valpo 58. Stats to come soon - and if they don't then we'll be here on Wednesday night.

9:45 - Press conference: Roy is pleased by the team's performance although he wanted the 'D' to play a little better in the 1st half. He wasn't long winded and provided no memorable soundbyte. Daggumit!

"Heck, I'd be following the WCHL Tar Heel Basketball Blog if I wasn't on the sideline coaching the daggum game!"

"Matching my career high was cool, Ms. Player Profile, but I would've much rather enjoyed following the game on the WCHL Tar Heel Basketball blog!"

10:20 - Final stats. Points: Hansbrough, 20; Green, 20 (ties career high); Graves, 14 (career high); Thompson, 11; Ginyard & Lawson, 6; Ellington, 5; Copeland & Wood, 2; Stepheson, 1...Rebounds: Hansbrough, 13; Thompson, 8; Ellington, Green & Lawson, 4; Ginyard, 3; Stepheson, 2; Campbell, Copeland, Graves, Little, Wood & Wooten, 1...Assists: Ellington, 6 (career high); Green, 5; Ginyard & Lawson, 4; Thompson, 3; Hansbrough, 1...Blocks: Thompson, 5 (career high); Green 4; Hansbrough, Lawson & Stepheson, 1...Steals: Ginyard & Green, 3; Lawson, 2; Graves, Thompson, & Moody, 1

Time to kick some Wolfpack butt...Nevada Wolfpack that is...

2007-12-27T18:35:00.000-05:00

Well we're back at home after a wonderful, short, but sweet holiday vacation. Unfortunately Deuce is at home for the holiday break and Slash left his press pass, so Jessica "Ms. Player Profile" Simmons is here to save the day and bail those guys out, once again.

The team seem to be ready, and the fans are too! The house isn't quite packed yet, but the traffic outside says.....they're definitely comin'!

6:39: 17:21 left until the guys get this show on the road. They're doing their normal stretching, and warm-ups. The student section screams HOLIDAY BREAK. It's looking pretty bare here. But no need to worry, we've got three guys right behind us that are going to scream, yell, and of course stand up the entire time just so we can't miss any of the usual action!!

6:43: 13 minutes left. Slash is still busting his butt to get here. Let's see if he makes it! The guys just did their usual slide across the floor drill. I always love that one! As the fight song plays and the crowd sings along, I think this will be a great start for our #1 team right after a holiday vacation; they look pumped.

6:46: Okay, so I'm certainly not a sports fanatic like Slash and The Deuce, but I'll give it a try and make a prediction. Let's try 110-83 UNC ALL DAY!!

6:49: We get a wonderful Happy Holidays message along with some of the players dressed up in their Santa Claus and reindeer hats on the big screens. Yeah I definitely think they should keep their day jobs. Singing ain't their thing, but it was nice!

7:01: Almost tip-off and, of course, Slash comes running down the steps. Guess I was wrong. He made it!!

7:02: Deon "We Here" Thomspon wins the tour and then puts in the first two points for the Tar Heels.

7:03: Just noticed that Wayne Ellington didn't start...Danny Green did. Green just hit two free throws to make it 4-2, Carolina.

7:04: Just like that, it's 7-4, Nevada. Marcelus Kemp has all 7.

7:05. Brandon Fields just joined in the party, 9-4 Nevada.

7:05: "We Here" answers back. 9-6, Nevada.

7:06: After a missed Nevada shot, Lawson scores for the Tar Heels. 9-8, Nevada.

7:06: (breather needed by blogger)

7:07: Ellington checks in. Score is 10-9, Carolina.

7:08: Kemp scores again. 11-10, Nevada.

7:09: According to the 1360 WCHL Tar Heel Basketball Blog sources, Ellington was snowed in while trying to travel back from Philly and he missed practice; hence, the reason he didn't start.

7:12: Lydele Burleson nails a three pointer for Nevada. The other Wolfpack definitely came to play. 16-14, Nevada.

7:13: Just like that it's 18-14, Carolina. I missed two scores while typing, obviously.

7:14 Questionable calls by the officials goes against Carolina. The crowd no likey.

7:14: Armon Johnson makes it 18-18.

7:15: Big, scrong (as my grandma would say) Deon Thompson puts home two for Carolina. 20-18.

7:15: Tyler's strong. Straight-up, no joke. He's at the line for two. Nails them both.

7:16: I heard someone say that Nevada's not a perimeter team. I would beg to differ. They have a couple of wings that have not been shy about hoisting up (and hitting) three point attempts. 22-18.

7:19: "Tar...HEELS!" rings out in the crowd.

7:20: Nevada appears to be pretty solid non-conference opponents. Good scheduling by Carolina to play a team like this before conference play.

7:21: Layup by Burleson brings Nevada within two before Hansbrough answers back for two; a two pointer by McGee (for Nevada) makes it a two-point game again...before Ellington nails a jumper for Carolina. 26-22 Carolina.

7:22: Ty Lawson's fast.

7:25: They score in spurts. 30-22 Carolina after an impressive offensive rebound and putback by Marcus Ginyard.

7:26: BTW, the arena has definitely filled up. Appears close to a sell-out - especially considering the seats immediately behind press row have been sold (note: NEVER buy these tickets because you cannot see anything but the backs of journalists...as most journalists have ugly backs).

7:28: Still 30-22, Carolina at the 7:30 mark of the 1st half. UNC is shooting 42% while Nevada is shooting 43%. UNC owns the boards with 17 rebounds (7 offensive) while Nevada has 10. Stats courtesy of Ms. Player Profile.

7:29: BTW, special thanks to Jessica "Ms. Player Profile" Simmons for getting the blog up and running tonight. Someone left their press pass and had to go back and get it. Also, thanks to Natasha Vukelic for meeting me on Franklin Street with my pass...and my cell phone.

7:30: 34-24, Carolina.

7:31: After two baskets and a free throw by Armon Johnson, it's 34-29, Carolina.

7:32: 34-31, Nevada before Ty-Ty goes end-to-end. 36-31, Carolina.

7:34: I failed to mention that a shot by Thompson was clearly knocked out through the bottom of the rim and the officials missed it. The fans, however, let them know this. That was the loudest "boo!" I've ever heard.

7:36: Johnson scores again for Nevada to make it 36-33, Carolina. Hansbrough just picked up his second foul with 3:38 to play. Time out on the court.

7:40: Ellington knocks down a three pointer to make it 39-33, Carolina. After a miss by Nevada, Ellington is on the line shooting two. Ellington is the top free throw shooter in the ACC, shooting 91%. Needless to say, he hit them both.

7:41: Someone just yelled, "He travelled!" from press row. OK, it was I (it is awfully poor etiquette to cheer from press row).

7:43: 23 NBA scouts!? Please don't be looking at Tyler...or anyone on the team besides Q and Surry Wood.

7:44: Ty-Ty gets to the basket for the hoop and the harm. 43-35, Carolina with Ty-Ty at the line...he missed it, but after an offensive rebound, it's 47-35, Carolina.

7:45: Ty-Ty steals and dunks; Fields shoots an airball for Nevada that is rebounded by Ty-Ty who then proceeds to run end-to-end, facilitates a give-and-go with Thompson and then finishes at the rim for two. End of the half. 49-35, Carolina. Stats coming up shortly.

7:52: Points: Ellington & Lawson, 12; Hansbrough, 9; Thompson, 6; Green & Stepheson, 4; Ginyard, 2...Rebounds: Lawson, 6 (WOW!); Ginyard, 4; Hansbrough, Stepheson & Thompson, 3; Ellington, 2; Green, 1...Assists: Lawson, 5; Green, 3; Thompson, 1...Steals: Lawson, 2; Ellington & Thompson, 1.

7:58: OK, Ty-Ty's MVP of the 1st half: 12 points, 6 boards, 5 assists, and 2 steals. That guy needs tomorrow off from practice!

8:02: Game on!

8:03: Have I mentioned that Ellington has the most beautiful jump shot? I did last blog? OH! He nails two and then Ty-Ty gets another steal and layup to make it 55-35. 14-0 run within the last 1:58 seconds. 18:51 to play.

8:05: The Smith Center's behind the blog...they just ran Ty-Ty's stat line (which is now, 14, 6, and 6).

8:06: Deon puts in two for the Tar Heels to make it 57-35. He's not pulling down a lot of boards, but Deon is doing a good job of boxing out Nevada's front line (which consists of a couple of rotating seven footers).

8:08: Ellington and his sweet "J" makes it 60-35 after he knocked down a three pointer.

8:09: Intentional foul by Lawson (breakaway foul) ends the scoring drought for Nevada. "7-Feet" McGee puts down a two handed slam to make it 60-41, Carolina.

8:10: Tyler gets an "and 1" to make it 63-41.

8:11: Talk about "jump out of the gym"; Armon Johnson almost did just that as he soared in to grab a rebound. His putback makes it 63-43.

8:12: Another Sweet-3 by Ellington makes it 66-43. That is Ellington's third three pointer of the game. He has 20 points to lead the Tar Heels in scoring. Time out on the court with 15:08 to go.

8:16: "Welcome back to the party, Mr. Kemp." He knocks down two for Nevada to make it 66-45, Carolina. He's been quiet since the start of the game.

8:17: Bobby Frasor knocks down two points to make it 68-45.

8:18: WHO COULD IM WHILE WATCHING CAROLINA PLAY!? Journalists...; Hey man, tell your girlfriend that you'll hit her back later!

8:20: MANsbrough is in the building. The young beast just muscled home two to make it 72-49, Carolina.

8:21: Danny Green's three pointer makes it 75-49. Nevada's bus driver is warming up the bus as we speak.

8:22: "We Here" is in double figures with ten points. He's joined by Ellington's 20, Hansbrough's 16 as well as Lawson's 16.

8:25: B-Fras hits a three pointer to stretch the lead past 30. It's 80-49, Carolina.

8:27: Moment of silence. After going for a steal, Bobby Frasor tweaked his knee. He's still on the ground. "BOB-BY FRA-SOR" cheers resonate through the arena before Bobby hops up. He gingerly walks off the court and into the locker room. The good news is he walked into the locker room.

8:30: "What game are you watching, ref!" is always funny, no matter the sport or the occasion. 80-54, Carolina.

8:31: Lyndale Burleson has fouled out. Early exit. There's still 8:10 to play.

8:33: Demarshay Johnson has just fouled out. I can honestly say that I had no idea the young man even played in this game. He and Burleson are now packing the bags and putting them under the bus. 83-54 with 7:19 to play. Timeout on the court.

8:36: Armon Johnson takes it right at Ellington before Thompson answers with a shot in the lane to make 85-56, Carolina with six and some change remaining on the clock.

8:44: OK, this is where the computer went dead. However, Carolina did go on to destroy Nevada 106-70. UNC almost reached Jessica's prediction, but Nevada came up considerably short. Unfortunately, it was a bitter sweet victory for the Tar Heels as the team learned that Bobby Frasor did, in fact, suffer a significant injury. He tore his ACL and is lost for the season. Now, the team must regroup after the loss of a top reserve. We'll see how things go this Sunday when Carolina takes on Valparaiso. Now, if only I can get the frickin' laptop to hold enough juice for us to finish the blog! Until Sunday, oh faithful readers!

Feels GOOD to be Home...

2007-12-19T20:34:00.000-05:00

8:38 - After a LONG layoff of 36 days, the WCHL Tar Heel Basketball Blog is up and running again with Carolina's return from a 6-game road trip.

The Deuce is at home in Carteret County for the holidays so it's Slash taking care of blog duties. Tonight's it's #1-ranked Carolina taking on Nicholls State University. Game time is (yawn) 9:00 pm so you've got about 20 minutes to take a popcorn break before things tip-off.

8:41 - The world famous Dot O'Brien is here and clad in Carolina Blue from head to toe. The lady even has on Carolina Blue sunglasses equipped with electric lighting. Oh, she's a fan, baby! What? You don't know who Dot O'Brien is? Just listen to the morning show tomorrow morning. I guarantee she wins Wayne's Word of the Day at approximately 8:22.

8:55 - All questions of whether Tyler Hansbrough would play tonight due to his concussion sufffered against Rutgers on Sunday can be put to bed (get it? The late night reference? I'll be here all night, folks...). The MANster has warmed up and is ready to run 'n gun. Really, was there any chance that he would NOT play as long as he's able to breathe? You'd have a better chance of not hearing "Crank Dat Soulja Boi" in a sports arena - and we know that's not going to happen any time soon either...

YOOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BTW, where's the Tyler Hansbrough e-mail similar to those that you see in reference to Chuck Norris??? It has to exist. If not, let's start it. I'll toss out a repeat to get things started (OK, because I'm drawing a blank on anything original - Carolina Basketball's on the brain!):

Superman sleeps in Tyler Hansbrough undies.

9:01 - No tip-off as of yet. However, if you think Carolina has enough freakish athletes on the roster then you're absolutely wrong. Greg Little - yes, the freshmen phenom who kept Kenan Stadium jumping this past season - is now on the squad. He probably won't see much PT, but I'm sure he's an asset in practice.

9:02 - Score prediction: 96-72, Tar Heels.

9:04 - After a steal on the defensive end, Marcus Ginyard drives in for a fast break layup to put the first two points on the board.

9:06 - Sloppy play early on. Nicholls (according to WCHL's good buddy and Tar Heel Sport Network personality, Brad Heller, the University is trying to lose "State") is off to a quick 6-4 lead at the 17:34 mark.

9:08 - Third three pointer gives Nicholls a 9-4 lead. Nicholls' Michael Czepil hit the first two of three on the exact same play.

9:10 - Fourth three pointer. Basket by Wayne Ellington makes it 12-8 Nicholls. Make that 14-8 after Dominic Friend scores Nicholls' first two-pointer.

9:11 - Nicholls came to play. Ty Lawson just hit a shot in the paint and is going to the line for an "and 1" opportunity. 14-10.

9:12 - Jessica "Ms. Player Profile" Simmons calls and says, "What happened to the blowout!?" Hey, I've been wrong once...or at least partly wrong before.

9:13 - Free throw missed by Lawson, but after an awesome block by Stepheson on the defensive end, Ty-Ty comes back down court and is fouled again. He hit 1 of 2.

9:15 - Nicholls is slowing down a bit. No basket in about two minutes or so.

9:16 - Ginyard helps with this. Friend is on the line for Nicholls. He hit 1 of 2.

9:17 - Tyler MANsbrough scores two for the Tar Heel and then takes an elbow to the face on the defensive end. Offensive foul, possession to the Tar Heels although no one wants Tyler to have any type of injuries in the head region...

9:18 - Did I mention Hansbrough suffered a concussion on Sunday? You would never tell, though. He is, so far, playing with reckless abandon. 15-14 Carolina.

9:19 - It's often mentioned how much can be desired of Deon "We Here!" Thompson's defense and rebounding, but he is doing a solid job so far. He's guarding guys on the perimeter and snatching boards.

9:21 - After a steal and layup by Quentin Thomas, Nicholls' coach gets a "T". After free throws by Danny Green, it's 18-15 Carolina. The crowd is showing their love for the Tar Heels' tenacious defense and their job on the boards.

9:23 - Anatoly Bose ends the scoring drought for Nicholls. 18-17 Carolina.

9:24 - The way Ginyard just intercepted a pass, I'm sure he'll be getting a call from Butch. It's 21-17 Carolina after Green knocked down a three at the 11:05 mark of the first half.

9:30 - 26-23 Carolina. Didn't expect it to be this close, but the good thing about a game like this is it keeps the fans involved.

9:31 - Three pointer by Nicholls' Gil Verner makes it 26-26. "Q" answers with a bank shot two-pointer to make it 28-26, Carolina. 7:26 mark of the first half. Time out on the court.

9:34 - The...wireless cell phone sponsor that cannot be named here in the blog...poorly phrased the text-to-win question - which was, "How many points did Donald Williams score in the 1993 Final Four? Options are 25, 50, 15, or 30, BTW. However, when you say Final Four do you mean the semi-final game alone or the entire tournament?

9:38 - 33-29 Carolina. Sloppy play has returned, but The Colonels cannot afford to NOT score against Carolina...and just like that Ryan Bathie knocks down a three to shut me up.

9:40 - A few baskets and it's 37-31 at the 4:03 mark.

9:42 - Steal by the Tar Heels and a slam dunk puts the Tar Heels up 41-31. The crowd loves it.

9:43 - I think Wayne Ellington just attempted the prettiest missed jump shot I have ever witnessed. I want to take his jump shot out for a cup of coffee. I hope Angie (my wife) doesn't mind. There's no funny business going on there...

9:45 - Tar...HEELS! The few fans that are here are into this game. I think Nicholls deserve a lot of the credit for this.

9:46 - You know Will Graves has come a long way physically if I mistook him for Wayne Ellington. This would have never happened last year. He would've had a better chance of being mistaken for Kentwan Balmer! Hats off to Jonas and the Strength and Conditioning crew (I wonder what they could do with a couple of the guys at WCHL - including myself...)

9:49 - Nicholls will not go away. 44-37 with 1:17 left before halftime.

9:51 - Solid defensive stop by the Tar Heels gives Carolina the ball back. Ty-Ty's at the line shooting two with 49.2 seconds remaining in the half. As the young lady a few feet from me says, "WHOOSH!" He knocked down both.

9:54 - After two more free throws by Ellington, it's 48-37 Carolina...stats coming shortly.

9:56 - Points: Hansbrough, 13; Ellington and Lawson, 9; Green, 7; Ginyard and Thomas, 4: Thompson, 2...Rebounds: Hansbrough, 6; Green, 3; Ellington and Thompson, 2 (OK, I was wrong about Thompson's rebounding...); Frasor, Graves, and Thomas, 1...Assists: Ellington, 3; Ginyard and Lawson, 2...Blocks: Stepheson, 1.

10:09: Game on and Lawson wastes no time getting a quick two. After a couple of scores by Carolina (including an "and 1" by Lawson), it's 53-37.

10:12 - Foul on Lawson, but a technical against Nicholls' Justin Payne who took exception to the foul. Nicholls cannot afford to give away any free points. Ellington knocks them both down to stretch the lead to 55-37.

10:15 - I've come to a conclusion: as long as MANsbrough is on a basketball court, he will never be outworked. How often do you see a 6'9 forward make a defensive swipe at the ball and then dive on the floor to gain possession? This is what Hansbrough just did. Did I mention that UNC is playing Nicholls (don't say "State") University? ACC opponents, heed this as a warning.

10:19 - 60-45, Carolina with 14:38 to play in regulation. In regards to the Roy Report, he's been fairly mild. The jacket is still on and we haven't had in insane arm flails as of yet. There's still plenty of time left. If this becomes a single digit game, I am sure we'll have some exciting things in the report.

10:24 - 62-45 and, even better, we've got a comment from The Deuce watching the game in Carteret County! I like that score prediction, young man!

10:25 - Some fan behind me yells to Nicholls' Mitch Boyce - who is wearing ol' school knee high socks - "Sweet socks!" Boyce didn't hear him the first time he yelled it either...

10:31 - 68-50. Carolina. To Nicholls' credit, they will not go away.

10:32 - Tip-in by Hansbrough makes it 70-52. 10:20 remaining.

10:34 - Roy Report: after another scoreless drought by the team ensues and Ty-Ty misses a wide open three-point attempt, Roy leans back extra far in his chair. I don't think he likes what he sees. After a basket by Nicholls, the lead that was once up to 21 is now down to 13. 70-57 with 8:05 remaining.

10:40 - Three pointer by Ellington makes it 74-57, Carolina.

10:41 - Much needed alley-oop slam dunk (Ty-Ty to MANsbrough) makes it 76-57, Carolina. Nicholl's Gil Verner quickly answers, but Tyler answers back himself by beasting his way to an "and 1" opportunity. Lead is back to 20, 79-59.

10:43 - Nicholls has heart. They quickly hit back to back three pointers to make it 79-65.

10:45 - After a steal by Nicholls' Verner, he's at the line to cut the lead to 12. He hits them both.

10:47 - Ginyard just literally jumped on a guy to grab a rebound. He was on the guys' shoulders and came down with the rebound and hit a putback shot. After a free throw by Nicholls, it's 81-68 Carolina. Ellington hits a sweet jumper in the paint to make 83-68.

10:48 - Nicholls answers to make it 83-70. They're like a fly at a cookout. They will not go away.

10:50 - Time out on the court. 83-70 still with 3:26 remaining.

10:54 - Ellington knocks down a jumper to make it 86-70. Nicholls answers back with a three pointer to make it 86-70. Green is at the line. Knocks down both. 88-73. Ginyard has 12 points and as Brad Heller just pointed out, he's two away from a career high.

10:57 - Lead is down to 10. Roy takes a T.O.; yet, he is still fairly calm. 88-78 with 1:35 remaining.

10:58 - BTW, Deuce, your prediction of Hansbrough's point total is dead-on.

10:59 - After this game almost became a nail biter, Carolina holds on to win 88-78. It's a win, but I look forward to hear what Roy has to say about this one...

11:00 - We're going to wrap it up. Log on to WCHL1360.com for the official recap of this one. No blog on Saturday - both, Slash and The Deuce will be out of commission, but the blog returns on next Thursday when UNC plays (let me check...) Nevada! Thanks for reading the Tar Heel Basketball Blog!

Listeners' Choice Top 25 Greatest Tar Heels on the Hardwood

2007-12-13T08:30:00.000-05:00

As many of you may know, Slash and The Deuce occasionally showcase Top-10 lists on Cover 2 Sports. Previous lists have included "Top 10 Memorable Press Conferences/Interviews", "Top 10 Memorable Moments in Sports", "Top 10 Sports-Associated Songs" and more.

Well, in searching for the next list, we had the bright idea of pulling together one that just wreaks of awesomeness equivalent to the strength of the cologne worn by that 30+ plus year old gentleman in a college-aged bar ("So what's your major?") . Oh yeh, here's the list:

Top-10 Greatest Tar Heels on the Hardwood

As we have discovered over the past few days, however, it is almost impossible for our small committee to pull together such a monumental list. UNC has too many legends to consider.

So we’re going to expand the list and invite YOU the opportunity to provide input in creating an even better list:

Listeners' Choice Top-25 Greatest Tar Heels on the Hardwood.

The criteria is simple. You can nominate a player or a select number of players that you feel should definitely make the list; or create your own list of 25 players that you feel should comprise the list. The only thing we ask is that you consider their body of work as a Tar Heel only - not what they may have done in the NBA or the Olympics. Team and NCAA Tournament success as well as individual awards should weigh in on decisions as well.

So without further ado, here is Slash and The Deuce's list: The Top 10 Greatest Tar Heels on the Hardwood, a list that we debuted last night on Cover 2 Sports. Let's just say it sure sparked controversy in the studio...

10 – Sam Perkins (80-84): four SOLID years at Carolina; member of 1982 national championship team; averaged 15.9 points and 8.6 rebounds for his career; second leading scorer in UNC history (2,145) and UNC’s ALL-TIME leading rebounder (1,167)

9 – Walter Davis (73-77): another player who had a solid four years at Carolina; won of the greatest defenders to play at Carolina; averaged 15.7 points per game along with 5.6 rebounds; played alongside Phil Ford for three season on a team that lost the National Championship game to Indiana in 1977

8 – Al Wood (77-81): leader of the 1980-81 team that lost the National Championship game; a swingman who averaged 15.6 points a game for his career; he’s fourth on UNC's career scoring list with 2,015 points

7 – Billy Cunningham (62-65): nicknamed "The Kangaroo Kid", Cunningham was a statistical monster while at UNC; averaged 24.8 points a game for his career along with 15.4 rebounds per game…yes, 15.4 points per game! Insane numbers, right!?

6 – James Worthy (79-82): some will argue that "Big Game" James is worthy of being noted as the greatest Tar Heel of all-time (did I cross in the red on the Cheese-o-Meter with that line?); statistically, it's hard to agree with this opinion, but when you look at the 1982 National Championship Team - which included a freshman named Mike Jordan, sophomore Sam Perkins and our good friend, Jimmy Black, all will say that Worthy was the clear leader of that amazing team; many remember that MJ hit that HUGE shot to give Carolina the lead; personally, I believe, that Worthy's steal that followed Jordan's shot truly solidified the victory for Carolina...sure the guy inadvertently threw it right to him; Worthy was the leading scorer of the 1982 National Championship team, averaging 15 points a game and was named NCAA Tournament MVP; for his career, he averaged 14.5 points and 7.4 rebounds

5 – Charlie Scott (67-70): Charlie Scott led the Tar Heels in scoring during the 68-69 (22.3 ppg) and 69-70 season (27.1 ppg); for his career, he averaged 22.1 points a game; his most important contribution to the Tar Heel legacy is that he was the first African American to play at UNC

4 – Lennie Rosenbluth (54-57): leader of Carolina's first National Championship team in 1957, beating a Kansas team that featured Wilt Chamberlain; scored 30+ plus points twenty-six times during his career; averaged 26.9 points and 10.4 rebounds while at Carolina

3 – Michael Jordan (81-84): scored arguably the most famous bucket in UNC history as a freshman, which some say won the the Tar Heels the 1982 NCAA National Championship; was named ACC Freshman of the Year the same year; was named All-American, ACC Player of the Year, ACC Athlete of the Year, and was awarded both the Naismith and Wooden Awards during his junior season – his last season at Carolina; averaged 17.7 points and 5 rebounds; and has the second-highest 3-point shooting percentage in UNC history among UNC’s 1,000 point scorers at 44% (note: Jeff Hamlin pointed out that the three-point line was about 18 feet or so back in these days - SHEESH!)

2 – Antawn Jamison (95-98): three-time ALL-ACC; ACC Player of the Year, ACC Athlete of the Year, as well as Naismith and Wooden Awards winner during junior season; won ACC Player of the Week a record 12 times; back-to-back Final Four appearances in the NCAA Tournament in 1997 and 1998; seventh all-time in career points (1,974) and fourth all-time in career rebounds (1,027) at Carolina; averaged 19 points and 9.9 rebounds a game for his career

1 – Phil Ford (74-78): consensus All-American in 1976, 1977, and 1978; named College Player of the Year by the U.S. Basketball Writers and won the John R. Wooden Award in 1978; still ranks as UNC's career scoring leader (2,290) and is third all-time in assists (753); averaged 18.6 points and 6.1 assists per game for his career

Now, we want to hear from you. To help you out, here are some more players to consider:

Pete Brennan (55-58); Bob Lewis (64-67); Rusty Clark (66-69); Larry Miller (67-70); Dennis Wuycik (69-72); Bobby Jones (71-74); Mitch Kupchak (72-76); Mike O'Koren (76-80); Jimmy Black (78-82); Brad Daughtery (82-86); Kenny Smith (83-87); Joe Wolf (83-87); J.R. Reid (86-89); Hubert Davis (89-92); George Lynch (89-93); Eric Montross (90-94); Donald Williams (91-95); Jerry Stackhouse (93-95); Rasheed Wallace (93-95); Vince Carter (95-98); Ed Cota (96-00); Raymond Felton (02-05); Sean May (02-05); Rashad McCants (02-05); Jawad Williams (01-05); Tyler Hansbrough (05-present)

HAVE FUN AND GO HEELS!

Smith Center Debut...Take Two

2007-11-20T18:50:00.001-05:00

7:01 - By now, you've probably read how your favorite dynamic duo (Slash and The Deuce) attempted to debut the Tar Heel Basketball Blog at the Dean E. Smith Center (hence forth and forever more referred to as The Dean Dome) at Sunday's game versus Iona. However, this was a failed attempt as "the official laptop of the Tar Heel Basketball Blog" decided to take the night off with no warning. Lappy has since been suspended indefinitely and, thanks to Jessica "Ms. Player Profile" Simmons, replaced by her massive laptop/high definition entertainment unit. My back still aches from carrying this thing - but I'm not complaining.

We're 29 minutes from game time and the crowd is...fairly sparse, to say the least. However, Carolina students are always excited about Carolina basketball (and there's a gang of them sitting right behind me) so it's sure to be an exciting night...or at least an exciting first half. The Deuce is in the dorm studying so it's Slash rollin' solo tonight with input from Simmons. The only way she let me use her computer was if she was able to keep an eye on it the entire evening - but, again, I'm not complaining.

Listen to the non-televised game on 1360 WCHL - Chapel Hill-Carrboro's News, Talk & Tar Heels Station - and make sure you continue to follow the Tar Heel Basketball Blog. Now, I'm off to find those daggone press snacks!

7:11 - FYI, it's never a good sign when a team shoots below 50% during pre-game warm-ups!

7:12 - The Carolina foot drill and floor slide is frickin' awesome! Heck, it definitely gets me fired up for some basketball.

7:22 - One thing that The Deuce and I wanted to introduce was a fun contest, "Predict the Score and Win a Prize"...OK, we're struggling with a contest name and I haven't had a good one since "Turn Down the Sound, Tune in to Win". Anyway, post a score prediction and win an awesome prize from your favorite bloggers. Unfortunately, I have an advantage because, again, I got to witness South Carolina State warm-up so I'm predicting a score of...UNC 99 (because Roy will rest starters/regulars early), SC State 54. Got a prediction? Post it on the blog and if your prediction is the closest then you'll win a prize!

7:23 - I'm listening to the in-arena feed of WCHL - which you too can listen to when in the arena at 92.7 FM - and Woody Durham says, "This will no doubt be the smallest turnout in the arena for the entire season." As his counterparts have said for all 1201 of Woody's broadcast, you're exactly right, Woody.

7:29 - Obviously, they want to get this one over sooner rather than later. SC State not only wins the tip, but they also score first. However, Deon "We Here!" Thompson answers back in under five seconds. 2-2 at the 19:00 mark.

7:34 - OK, I underestimated SC State. 4-8 at the 16:43 mark. Hansbrough is out of the game.

7:35 - Three pointer by Wayne "I Be Strokin'" Ellington followed by a steal and dunk by Ellington and another steal by Alex Stepheson (in the game for Hansbrough) . Ginyard was fouled on the layup attempt. Nails them both. Quickly, it's 11-8 Carolina.

7:36 - Fast break dunk by Stepheson. 13-8, Carolina. The track meet has begun. Official's timeout.

7:39 - Hansbrough's back in the game and is quickly fouled. First of many I'm sure.

7:40 - Stephesons' at the line and Woody says, "I have something I could say right now, but I won't..." He later pointed out that Stepheson was 1 for 7 at the line. Luckily, Stepheson nailed the first, but after Woody did say what he wasn't going to say...Stepheson missed. Daggone broadcasters' jinx.

7:42 - Hansbrough at the line. Nails two. I sure hope you like recurring themes.

7:43 - Hansbrough at the line. Nails two.

7:44 - Good hustle by Ty-Ty to cause a jump ball against SC State's Jesse Burton. Possession arrow to the Tar Heels. The Tar Heels have done this a number of times already in this young season.

7:45 - After two free throws by Ellington, 20-14 Carolina. Time out with 13:31 remaining in the 1st half.

7:47 - Danny Green is a power forward in a 2 guard's body. He can hold his own in the paint and I would venture to say that he's is the best shot blocker on the roster at the moment. The young man is impressive.

7:49 - Ellington already has ten points and he's at the line shooting two. Make that 11. 12 after sinking the second as well. 25-14 Carolina.

7:51 - Great pass from Thompson (sort of in the high post) to Hansbrough in the low post. 27-16 Carolina. Interesting. I am a fan of Thompson and his game, but I cannot recall any other assists that he has ever made. Well, it will be good to see more often during his career.

7:53 - Alley oop from Ty-Ty to Hansbrough. Beautiful! 29-16 at the 11:20 mark.

7:54 - Turnover by the Bulldogs (SC State). They're tenth of this young first half.

7:55 - SLAM DUNK by Ty-Ty. The crowd goes wild...until Hansbrough comes down and and (at the moment) is charged with a charge even though one of his cohorts disagrees.

7:55 - Now, they changed it to a double foul. Bizarre is probably the best way to describe it. From my perspective (which includes no level of expertise when it comes to officiating) I don't see how a charge or a blocking foul can be charged as a double foul.

7:56 - Jumper by Ellington gives him 14 points in the first ten minutes of the game. 33-16 at the 9:30 mark.

7:57 - He shoots! He shoots! Nice turnaround jumper by Stepheson makes it 35-18 Carolina. 8:42 to go.

7:59 - Three pointer by B. Frasor makes it 38-19 before SC State's Jason Johnson slams down a crowd-calming slam dunk to make it 38-21. After a couple of back and forth possessions, it's 38-21 still at the 7:05 mark. Bathroom break for press row.

8:02 - The crowd has become respectable. I'd estimate a turnout of...14,000 or so - but hey, Ted Seagrove is here! Feel free to sing the theme song from his WCHL Commercials: "It's a family affaaaiirrre!"

8:04 - I'm sure this is obvious, but it's clear why Hansbrough is so good - he's plays with no fear. He ALWAYS goes up strong. After nailing two free throws, 43-23 Carolina.

8:05 - 15 team fouls by the Bulldogs. Somebody from SC State is going to foul out.

8:06 - Bobby Frasor's move from the back-up point to the back-up 2-guard is simply ingenious. He is shining in that role.

8:07 - William Graves just score his first two points as a Tar Heel (update: he actually hit one of two free throws to score his first point as a Tar Heel). 48-27 Carolina at the 5:10 mark. "I like him on the court. I think he's going to be a good player," says Eric Montross on the radio broadcast. I do too.

8:08 - After another Ty-Ty to Hansbrough alley-oop hook-up and one of two free throws from Lawson, 53-30 Carolina.

8:10 - Another dunk by...SC State! If my memory serves me correct, that is their fifth dunk. Roy no likey.

8:11 - 53-32 Carolina with 3:57 to go in the first half.

8:13 - Stepheson with a lay-up. His third field goal give him seven points. He's going for a career high! OK...I have no idea what his career high is. 57-32 Carolina.

8:13 - Three Bulldogs with three fouls already.

8:17 - 20th team foul puts Hansbrough on the line. Nails them both. 8 of 10 from the line, 16 points and 8 rebounds. MONSTER. "Boy, we may get to see Marc Copeland (I think he meant Mike Copeland), Surry, and so on A LOT the way this one is going." You aint never lyin', Woody!

8:18 - 59-34, Carolina with one minute remaining.

8:19 - The Tar Heels sure are scrappy. They have created a number of turnovers so far in this game - including a shot clock violation by the Bulldogs just now. 18 turnovers by the Bulldogs.

8:20 - Stepheson slams home two to give him 9. He's playing his way to the starting line-up.

8:21 - 61-34, Carolina at halftime.

8:25 -Tar Heel stats...points: Hansbrough, 16; Ellington, 14; Stepheson, 9; Lawson, 7; Frasor, 6; Thompson, 4; Ginyard & Green, 2; Graves, 1...rebounds: Hansbrough, 6; Stepheson, 5; Ginyard, 4; Ellington, 3; Graves & Thomas, 1...etc.: GO HEELS!

8:36 - SC State's Chris Miller-Williams is BIG. I'm sure Butch would love to have him playing defensive tackle or something.

8:38 - 64-37 at the 18:25 mark of the second half after a layup by Hansbrough.

8:39 - "That's right, ref, hand 'em hand the game!" yells a lovely fan. Calm down, buddy. It's only one call and the Bulldogs are down by 29 points!

8:40 - Two missed free throws by Thompson. His free throw shooting aint here...

8:42 - Hard foul committed by Hansbrough and while he didn't like it, Psycho T was not unleashed. Two free throws by Hansbrough gives him 20 for the game.

8:44 - Steal and "and one" opportunity puts Hansbrough at the line. 23 points, 8 rebounds. I think he deserves a second to catch a breather (he's on then bench now).

8:45 - Steal and finish at the rim by Thompson. 76-40 Carolina at the 16:11 mark of the first half.

8:48 - Q with a nice dish, but he was unable to avoid the charge. Turnover.

8:50 - Uh, oh! Time for touch fouls to be called. Three pointer by Mario Bennett gives SC State - excuse me, dwindles Carolina's lead to 33. 76-43 Carolina.

8:51 - Mike Copeland's biggest fan is a couple of rows behind. I mean, he really likes the kid. Now, that's a fan.

8:52 - Correction. The guy is just a big time Carolina fan. Gotta love it.

8:53 - Even though SC State has proven to be outmatched by Carolina (at the moment, anyway), their players have continued to demonstrate an admirable level of sportsmanship. That's a positive thing they can take away from this game.

8:57 - 82 to 47 Carolina at the 11:37 mark. No chants of "Biscuits!" just yet. Maybe when they reach 90 points. (Fans receive two sausage biscuits from...a certain sponsor of UNC athletics when Carolina scores 100 points)

8:59 - Tyler Hansbrough is a MAN-ster. The guy is unstoppable. Oh yeh, he's at the line for an "and one" opportunity...which he nails to give him 26 points.

9:01 - Phantom foul charged to Carolina. I guess the refs have to make this game last at least two hours.

9:03 - Three pointer by Green and a steal/layup by Ginyard makes it 90-53 Carolina with 8:34 to go. Still no "Biscuits!" chants. I'm disappointed.

(this is where Lappy 3000 went dead on us so the remainder of tonight's post comes from handwritten notes)

9:06 - Tip dunk by Danny Green energizes the crowd. Five points and it's biscuits for everyone! Oh, press row is not included. OK. :(

9:08 - 95 to 55 with 7:23 to go. Timeout on the court.

9:09 - First Bulldog fouls out. Derrick Davis hits the pine at 7:03 mark.

9:10 - Graves hits for a career high of four points tonight! OK, one point would've been his career high. In all seriousness, I look forward to seeing great things from this young man. He has the skills, but he has worked hard to mold his body and prepare himself to play at the Division I level.

9:12 - Q missed a breakaway dunk opportunity that would've sent all ticket-holding fans home with two sausage biscuits from...that certain sponsor of UNC Athletics. Luckily, Danny Green trailed the play and tossed in a layup to please the crowd. Biscuits for everybody! 102 to 55 with 5:52 to go.

9:14 - Stepheson's in double figures. Don't be surprised if he starts the next game.

9:15 - Another impressive block by Green before a bea-U-tiful dunk by him gives the Tar Heels a 106-59 lead with 3:29 to go.

9:18 - Big board concurs that Stepheson's 11 points are, in fact, his career high.

9:19 - Don't know what J.B. Tanner has done to earn PT, but he's in the game with three and some change to go.

9:20 - Tanner with a career high of three points...on a three point attempt!

9:21 - Roy clears the bench and brings in Campbell, Moody, Wood, and some other player who's name I cannot see on the back of his jersey.

9:22 - "That ref is freakishly tall!" says Jessica. He is. The guy is a solid 6'10. Tallest man in the arena.

9:25 - Press Row's clearing out with 15.2 seconds to go. OK, no seconds left. Tar Heels 110, SC State 64. Another win for the Heels!

See, What Had Happened Was...

2007-11-18T21:23:00.001-05:00

It's hard to understand how much our society relies on technology until it fails us.

For those expecting 1360 WCHL's Tar Heel Basketball Blog, I sincerely apologize, but the official laptop of the blog decided to take the night off...said Sunday's the Sabbath or something like that. Hence, while Slash and The Deuce were in attendance of tonight's Carolina versus Iona basketball game, we were not able to provide minute-by-minute coverage of the game via the blog as we promised.

So after much cursing and crying, here's a short recap of the highlights from tonight's game:

- UNC won big...it wasn't even close. UNC 107, Iona 72.
- Carolina looked a lot better in this game than against Davidson and Danny Green continues to impress with his offensive play, defense, and rebounding
- In case you missed it, check Youtube within the next day or so and witness Tyler Hansbrough's dunk over Iona's De'Shaune Griffin at the 16:19 minute mark of the 2nd half.

Sick-nasty.

We're working overtime to make sure the blog is up and running properly - especially since that is the only game not televised this season - so check out WCHL's Tar Heel Basketball Blog on Tuesday night!

Welcome to the WCHL Tar Heel Basketball Blog!

2007-11-14T18:08:00.000-05:00

6:08- Slash and Deuce have arrived in Charlotte, NC. We welcome you to the WCHL Tar Heel Basketball Blog where you can follow along while you're listening/watching the game and find out about things going on in the arena that you might not otherwise hear about. So stay tuned, game time is set for 7pm! For now, it's off to the media buffet for Slash and Deuce.

7:02- Off to a good start this season. Ginyard with the first bucket of the season 4 seconds into the game.

7:04- Still some empty seats in the Bobcats Arena, but all-in-all a pretty good crowd and a raucous student section for Davidson directly across from us.

7:05- And where in the world did they get this video board? It is so sweet. Hi-def and about as big as this guy we saw in the press area...almost...

7:06- Hansbrough=monster...You'll hear that a lot this season.

7:07- Davidson fans are intense. Maybe it has something to do with the "crunk" team introduction.

7:08-Lawson has two fouls at the 17:07 mark. Off to the bench. Q's in the game.

7:09-Alex Stepheson is tall. Really tall.

7:10- 7-4...Wildcats!? C'mon, Heels!

7:11- Let's play, "What is Q saying to his opponent?" Guess #1 = "My braids are fly, aren't they?

7:12- Hansbrough for three. Miss. Timeout, Carolina. Wouldn't want to be Tyler right now.

7:13- Brian Reese (1993 National Championship team) is sitting in floor seats below.

7:16- Davidson shoots A LOT of outside jump shots. This may come back to haunt them later in the game.

7:18- 11-8, Wildcats with 11:46 remaining in the first half. Official's time out. Roy's, surprisingly, calm in the huddle. Wait...he's a bit animated at the moment. "Bring it in guys...GO TAR HEELS!"

7:23- Touch foul on Ginyard, his first...Refs calling a lot of touch fouls so far..can't get away with much.

7:24- Stephen Curry may only look like he's twelve years old, but if he just made that three that would have brought the house down.

7:24- 3rd foul on Lawson. Told you. 10:29 to go in the first half and already in trouble. 'Q' Back in.

7:25- And now he does...Curry for 3, nice crossover move to get free...Another foul on UNC.

7:26- Davidson 19 Carolina 12...Wow, Davidson looks good

7:27- By the way, Stephen Curry's first name is pronounced STEF-FON. Why? I do not know...

7:28- OK, now the Tar Heel faithful are into the game.

7:29- Carolina's trailing 19-12 at the 8:26 mark, but their defense looks TIGHT (as in stiff).

7:32- There is a young Davidson fan who is disgruntled at the moment. He has the duty of wiping up the sweat in the paint on our end of the court. He's upset, however, because his counter-part on the other side of the court has a swiffer the size of my dining room table. He, however, has your standard swiffer. I think there are some equality issues here that Title IX needs to take a look at.

7:34- 22-21, Tar Heels. Tyler's owning the boards and he's even tossed in 10 points for good measure.

7:35- Can you hear it? "Tar...HEELS!" Started in the upper rafters and has now made it's way to the lower levels.

7:38- Stephen (remember, pronounced STEF-FON) Curry is sick-nasty. He just put a move on the Tar Heel defense that shows why he's a big time scorer (even though he looks more like a middle school all-star). After adding a three pointer, Curry now has 9 points...and his trigger finger's itching.

7:40- Roy allows Q to score? Who knew...

7:41- 28-28 at the 3:26 mark of the 1st half. Time out on the floor.

7:44- Big three pointer by Danny Green follows a three from Bobby Frasor. 34-31, Tar Heels. Note: Roy is going to bring up Davidson's Jason Richards a few times during halftime. The PG has 9 points on outside jumpers in the first half.

7:46- Any worries that Ellington lost his stroke and/or confidence should be laid to rest. He has 12 first half points mostly on outside jump shots.

7:49- 38-31, UNC at halftime. Now where are those stats!?

7:50- Oops! Curry's first name is pronounced STEFF-in.

7:53- In case you're wondering, halftime entertainment is being provided by ZOOperstars, an inflatable animal trio. Dancing to "Tootsie Roll" - always a crowd favorite - it's Shaquille O'Seal, Lebronco James, and Dick Flytale. The crowd...is not amused.

7:59- Tar Heel Stats...points: Hansbrough & Ellington, 12; Frasor, 5; Green, 3; Thompson, Ginyard & Q, 2...rebounds: Hansbrough, 11 (geez!); Stepheson, 3; Frasor, Ginyard & Green, 2; Ellington, 1...etc.: Ty-Ty has 3 personal fouls.

8:01- Can someone please create new and exciting in-game promotional contests? There have to be more than the usual 2-3 that we see at every game in ever arena in the country.

8:02- Jay Bilas (providing color commentary for "that" network) is tall. Really tall.

8:04- You'd be hard-pressed to find a more enthusiastic Tar Heel fan than the game attendant that has been standing behind us for the entire game. Good times.

8:07- Oh yeh, the second half is under way. 38-36 at the 17:54 mark after a fast start by Davidson. Geez, Deon just got his dunk attempt blocked by Davidson's Thomas Sander. Ugly.

8:09- Derrick Phelps (point guard of that 1993 team) has joined Brian Reese.

8:10- Personal foul AND a technical on Hansbrough. I didn't even notice the arrival of Psycho T.

8:11- If random posts of "WE HERE!" show up on the blog, these are of reference to a big play by Deon Thompson, who loves to shout the broken-English phrase upon occasion. Like now, "WE HERE!"

8:12- 40-41, Davidson is up and their fans are loving it. This is an intense game. Finally, a call that goes the way of the Tar Heels. Time out on the court. Roy is still...cool.

8:14- That young, disgruntled Davidson fan is not so disgruntled anymore. He's got the big floor sweeper. I guess equal opportunity is in full effect at Davidson. Yes, he's definitely got a little more pride in wiping the floor now.

8:15- Lawson travels. Not a good night for him so far. A few travels, 3 early fouls, and 0 points. Ellington misses. 43-40, Wildcats lead, 14:55 to go.

8:17- Slash says, 'Boris has butter-fingers'.

8:18- What a surprise - another touch foul against Carolina. To totally change subject, Davidson has an impressive that the team runs, seemingly every time down court.

8:20- HEY! A call that benefits the Tar Heels! Q is on the line going for a career high of four points. That isn't his career high? Oh. Well, he hit them both.

8:21- Stephen Curry just blew by Carolina's defense so the Tar Heels have come back and gone to the well (translation: they tossed it in to Hansbrough, who bullied his way to drawing a foul). Tyler sinked them both, but the Heels trail 44-45.

8:22- Foul on Carolina. Committed by a figment of the official's imagination.

8:26- Try as they might, Davidson fans (or their band) cannot compete with Carolina fans cheering, "Tar...HEELS!"

8:29- Mackeral Jordan (remember, ZOOperstars) just made an impromptu appearance. I must admit...that performanc was fairly entertaining. He actually ate a guy! I'm sure it's scripted, but it was entertaining. Back to the game!

8:30- Travelling called on Frasor. Deuce says, "With all of the strength and conditioning of the Tar Heels over the summer did they forget how to dribble?"

8:32- 46-50, Davidson is up. Things are getting a bit testy between the squads.

8:34- Three-point play by Danny Green gives Carolina a 52-50 lead. Danny Green is strong. Really strong.

8:35- "Bail out!" says the attendant behind us as the official call yet another touch foul against Carolina (specifically, Ellington, his first). Yes, indeed it is.

8:37- Karma's a...undeniable "and 1" opportunity for Lawson gives the Tar Heels a 54-52 lead with Ty-Ty going to the line for one after the timeout (we're on a timeout at the moment).

8:38- Give credit to Davidson AND Carolina fans. This game has the feel of a mid-March ACC game. I'm just glad to be in the building...as Deuce says, "I'm really impressed by the Davidson fans."

8:41- As Jeff Hamlin would say about Curry's veins on that 3-pointer, 'ICE'

8:42- WOW! There's 4 against Hansbrough. 1 more foul and he's out, but he's already on the bench with less than 6:30 to go. Davidson has the lead 59-56.

8:46- I think Ellington is humming some Clarence Carter in his head during this game - "I be strokin'!" He's got 15. Still, Curry leads the way for Davidson with 24...and I thought he wouldn't reach his average of 27 per (sure, after only one game). He's got four fouls, though, at the 5:29 mark. Back to Ellington. He sinks two free throws to tie the game at 61.

8:51- Still 61-61 with 3:44. Can't see Roy in the midst of the huddle, but C.B. McGrath sure is intense. Ellington at the line for two.

8:52- Deuce says, "The ref's ex-girlfriend must have gone to UNC." Hansbrough checks in. Remember, he has four fouls with 3:41 to play. If he fouls out, Davidson fans will go nuts.

8:54- Ty-Ty for two on a hanging-in-the-air layup.

8:55-Airball by Curry (with Ginyard playing TIGHT 'D' on him). Tar Heel fans like it.

8:56- Jason "Don't Forget About Me" Richards for two before Ginyard answers with a layup. After a Davidson turnover, Tar Heels regain possession with a 66-63 lead and 1:51 remaining.

8:57- As Deuce points out, third off-the-ball foul on Green. DAMN!

8:58- The atmosphere is electric and Ellington is still strokin' - that's what he be doin'! (look up the song lyrics to keep up). Heck of a contest. It's not only team versus team, but it's crowd versus crowd inside the arena. Electric atmosphere, I tell ya.

9:01- Deuce says of Curry, "He's the opposite of Greg Oden!" Yes, he does have the look of a young man anxiously anticipating puberty. His game is that of a man, though. Have to give credit where credit is due.

9:02- After a backdoor layup by Davidson's Sander, Carolina's lead is trimmed to 3 with 12.9 seconds remaining. Carolina to inbounds. Deuce is off to box-out his position in the locker room for postgame interviews.

9:05- With a four-point lead and Ginyard on the line, this one appears to be in the bag for Carolina. There's no denying that Davidson has the ability to beat a number of so-called top flight teams. Tonight, however, they will fall short to the Tar Heels.

9:07- Foul called on Carolina with .2 seconds remaining. What the heck - swallow your whistles, zebras (the officials, not the ZOOperstars)!

9:08- ...game's finally over. 72-68, Tar Heels. If it's of interest to you, R. Kelly wil be performing at the Charlotte Bobcats Arena on Friday night (the self-promotion by the arena is quite impressive). Tickets are still available.

9:10- The Tar Heel-loving attendants name is Jamar, by the way. The man is a die hard Tar Heel fan!

9:16- Final Tar Heel Stats...points: Ellington, 20; Hansbrough, 14; Green, 11; Ty-Ty, 8; Ginyard, 6; Frasor, 4; Q & Thompson, 4...rebounds: Hansbrough, 14; Ginyard, 7; Green, 6; Stepheson, 4; Ellington & Frasor, 3...jackets tossed by Roy, 0

9:20- We have a Kenya McBee sighting in the arena. Last I heard, the former member of the UNC women's Tar Heels basketball team is an assistant coach somewhere in the state...with her appearance in Charlotte, I will take a guess that it is somewhere in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area. John Stillman has to do a "Tar Heel in the News" on her.

9:29- If Roy Williams wanted to, he could run for President. Why? Because the man has not seen a baby that he has not wanted to hug. He's come from the press room, back into the arena just to hug children and shake hands. He's got my vote.

9:34- Deuce is back with audio, the lights are going dim in the arena and the highways' a-callin'. Back to Chapel Hill, we go! Thanks for following the Tar Heel Basketball Blog. Make sure you come back on Sunday when we blog from the Dean E. Smith Center as the Tar Heels take on Iona at (I think) 5:30 pm.