North Carolina held down one of the ACC’s best scorers defensively and got up and down the court offensively to defeat Cal 79-53 at home. (1\/15) <\/p>\n
The solid effort from the Tar Heels started early as they took the lead at 5-4 on a three by freshman Ian Jackson from the left side and they never trailed again. <\/p>\n
“We put a big emphasis on defense and tonight it showed,” Jackson said. Andrej Stojakovic, who averages more than 20 points a game including 24 points a game in ACC contests, was held to just six points as he was hounded by Tar Heel defenders all night.<\/p>\n
“We were locked in defensively on Stojakovic,” UNC coach Hubert Davis said. “He’s so talented and can score and gets to the free throw line but we defended him without fouling.” <\/p>\n
In fact, Cal shot only five free throws all night as Carolina committed nine fouls before intentionally fouling to get substitutions in the game at the end. <\/p>\n
Carolina, which led by as many as 11 in the first half, held a comfortable 39-29 advantage at the break and, after Cal closed to within six early in the second half, went on a 15-0 run to open it up. <\/p>\n
Seth Trimble, who had his best game since coming back from a head injury, scored in transition to give Carolina a 65-41 lead with 6:55 to go. The largest lead of the game came late when Jackson scored on a fastbreak layup for a 77-50 lead. <\/p>\n
“I was much more aggressive and assertive tongiht,” said Trimble, who scored 12 points. “It was all rhythm for me so everything was back for me.” <\/p>\n
Jackson led Carolina with 20 points while Eliot Cadeau had 15.<\/p>\n
Mady Sissoko was a bright spot for Cal as he led the team with 16 points, with most baskets coming after one of his eight rebounds. The Golden Bears fall to 8-9 overall and 1-5 in the ACC.<\/p>\n
The Tar Heels, who host Stanford Saturday afternoon at 2:15 p.m., are now on a four-game win streak and improve to 12-6 overall and 5-1 in the conference.<\/p>\n