Evidently ACC play brings out the best in the best players. Harrison Barnes, Tyler Zeller and John Henson, North Carolina’s big three, were the big three in the ACC opener, combining for 59 points, 21 rebounds, five blocked shots and five steals, during an 83-60 victory over Boston College.

“ACC games help you focus,” Zeller said after the game.

That being said, the bench, which has given a big boost to the Tar Heels this season, didn’t play very well. The big three subs – Reggie Bullock, PJ Hairston and James M. McAdoo – shot just four of 17 field goals, scoring just 11 points while turning the ball over four times.

BC coach Steve Donahue said he sees a big improvement in the big guys for Carolina. “They are a lot better basketball team than they were last year,” Donahue said. “They are playing with a purpose and the three big guys (Barnes, Teller and Henson) have gotten better.”

For more on Carolina’s victory over Boston College, which started five freshmen, please click here.