The Morning After: Boston College

I have to say, watching Carolina last night was like watching a completely different team, as an offensive explosion that hasn't been seen by Heels fans since 2009, erupted.  Carolina put 106 points on BC, winning their 6th ACC game, 106-74.  The 2009 edition scored 100+ points three separate times in conference games, against Maryland (108), Duke (101), and Georgia Teach (104).  The offensive efficiency displayed last night gave glimpses into the reasons why Carolina was rated a top-10 team coming into the season.  Everything was clicking last night, and though BC hit 13 threes, they were completely overmatched.  Carolina had four players scoring in double figures, shot 57 % from the field (52% from 3), and had 27 assists to only 9 turnovers.  


Carolina's big contributors last night were:


Harrison Barnes - 26 points (season high, 9-15 FG, 4-7 3PG)
Reggie Bullock - 16 points (6-9 FG, 4-7 3PG)
Tyler Zeller - 18 points, 6 rebs (6-7 FG, 6-6 FT)
John Henson - 13 points, 7 rebs, 2 blks (6-10 FG)
Kendall Marshall - 7 points, 6 assists, 2 TO's
Larry Drew - 9 assists, 1 TO


During my BC preview, I had four keys to the game, and Carolina took care of all four.


1. The transition games gets going.  Carolina outscored BC 24-2 on fast break points, and scored 33 points off BC's 16 turnovers.  
2. Carolina must hold Reggie Jackson to under 20 points.  Jackson scored only six, a season low.
3. Harrison Barnes must continue the great play he displayed against NC State.  The stats speak for themselves.  26 points, shooting 60% from the field.  Welcome, young man.
4. Carolina must neutralize the BC homecourt advantage.  Did they ever.  Carolina handed BC their first home conference loss, and did it in style, winning by 32.  


I was fully off on my UNC 71- 67 BC prediction, except for the result.  BC played at much higher rate than I thought they would, and it shows that if a team is willing to run with the Heels, they might be in a bit of trouble.  


Next up for Carolina, Florida State at home.  This will be big time game, especially if Maryland can beat Duke in College Park tonight.  Either way, Carolina is now showing how good they can be when it all comes together.