North Carolina, No. 1 in the nation a week ago, have a long way to go to ever get close to that again this season as the Tar Heels dropped their third in a row at No. 10 Indiana. (11/30)
While the first half was relatively even, the Tar Heels managed to lead on the scoreboard for less than two minutes and trailed 35-29 at the break.
While Carolina hit a season-low 33.9 shooting percentage, Indiana shot 50 percent and outscored the Heels in the paint 50-24.
With their star player Armando Bacot struggling with a tender ankle and a banged up shoulder and in foul trouble, Carolina seemed deflated, especially after a rough tournament in Portland.
“There was no fatigue,” UNC coach Hubert Davis said. “All credit to Indiana. They just beat us.”
An energized Hoosiers team went on an 11-4 run out of the lockerroom to separate themselves from the Tar Heels at 46-31.
Carolina had a chance to cut it to two possessions but R.J. Davis first was stripped of the ball, which led to an Indiana layup, and then missed a long three that would have cut it to six. The Tar Heels never got closer that seven in the second half at 59-52.
“Our better players have to play well,” Coach Davis said. “Not only do our better players have to play well, thay have to play well consistently.”
Eight Carolina players played nine minutes or more and four of them scored in double figures. Pete Nance led the Tar Heels with 15 points and 12 rebounds but he hit only one of seven from beyond the arc.
Caleb Love scored 13 points but he only managed five of 16 from the field. Bacot picked up 12 points and 10 rebounds in only 28 minutes of play. R.J. Davis rounded out the double-figure scorers with 11 points but he shot only four of 11 and turned the ball over three times.
Indiana, now 7-0, was led by Trayce Jackson-Davis who had 21 points and 10 rebounds and Xavier Johnson who scored 20 points.
Carolina, 5-3, opens ACC play at Virginia Tech Sunday at 3 p.m.
For a box score and analysis of the game, please click here.
