UNC's Jeremiah Francis drives out of control to the basket. (UNC Athletic Communications)

Gonzaga shoots lights out to whip Heels

North Carolina ran into a buzzsaw early in the second half as Gonzaga hit 11 shots in a row to break open a close game and whip the Tar Heels 94-81. (12/18)

Gonzaga, No. 2 in the country and riding a 28-game win streak at home, would have been favored versus a North Carolina team at full strength. But not only were the Tar Heels without leading scorer Cole Anthony, their other freshman sensation Armando Bacot got in foul trouble in the first minute, seven seconds and senior leader Brandon Robinson got sick during the first half and didn’t play in the second half.

“Those are just excuses,” UNC coach Roy Williams said. “We’ve got to play better.”

There were 11 lead changes in the first half but Gonzaga took a seven-point lead into the half at 44-37.

The Zags got the lead to double figures quickly and then piled it on by hitting 14 of 15 shots to work the margin to 22 at 81-59 and effectively end the contest. They hit nearly 60 percent for the game.

Corey Kispert led the way for Gonzaga with 26 points, hitting five of six three-point attempts, while teammate Filip Petrusev added 20.

Carolina freshman Jeremiah Francis got his most game action as he came off the bench to play 23 minutes and score 11 points. Christian Keeling, also off the bench, had his best scoring game as he tallied 12 points for the Tar Heels.

Ten Tar Heels played at least 10 minutes during the game with starter Garrison Brooks leading the way with 16 points.

Bacot never could get going after getting in foul trouble. He not only picked up two quick fouls to start the game but he committed his third foul early in the second half. He ended up scoring only two points on six shots while playing just 14 minutes. He’s hit only three of his last 20 attempts.

“You can’t just keep feeling sorry for yourself,” Coach Williams said, not specifically talking about Bacot but several players. “You have to step up and be a man – be a player.”

The loss was the fourth in a row and the third straight to a non-conference team. UNC hasn’t lost four in a row since the 2010 season and hasn’t lost three in row to non-conference teams since 2001.

The Tar Heels, now 6-5 overall, will play UCLA in Las Vegas Saturday at 3 p.m.

For a box score and more information on the game, please click here.

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