Losing nonconference games to tough opponents is one thing but falling in the Atlantic Coast Conference opener is another. North Carolina, playing without preseason All-America player Armando Bacot, fell at Virginia Tech 80-72 for the Tar Heels fourth loss in a row. (12/4)
Carolina fell behind two minutes into the game and never led again as the Hokies – behind the hot shooting of Hunter Cattoor, who had 13 points, all in the first half – took a 37-27 halftime lead.
The Tar Heels’ 27 points was the season-low for a half. Things got worse as the Hokies, this time behind big man Justyn Mutts’ game-high 27 points, took a commanding 18-point lead in the second half.
Using a scrambling, pressure defense, UNC made a run, going on a 19-8 spurt over six minutes to draw within three at 67-64 after a Caleb Love steal and acrobatic shot high off the backboard with 3:05 to play.
But Virginia Tech hit 10 straight free throws down the stretch and Sean Pedulla hit an open three to wrap it up.
“We’ve had a hard week,” UNC coach Hubert Davis said. “I’m disappointed but I’m not discouraged.” He told the players after the game that he’s not panicked and he’s convinced it will be a great basketball team by the end of the season.
They’ll have to shoot better – they got behind by shooting 39 percent in the first half – and they’ll need Bacot back. Bacot, who is nursing a sore shoulder, made the call as to whether or not he could go, Coach Davis said.
“Without Armando in the lineup, they were able to get in the post easily,” Coach Davis said adding that he was under the assumption even during warmups that Bacot would play.
Love, R.J. Davis and Pete Nance each scored 18 points for the Tar Heels.
Virginia Tech improves to 8-1 overall and 1-0 in the ACC.
Carolina, 5-4 overall and 0-1 in the conference, hosts Georgia Tech Saturday afternoon.
For a box score and more on the game, please click here.
