Big Second Half Propels No. 8 North Carolina

by David Cassilo / @dcassilo

With 43 points in the final 20 minutes, No. 8 North Carolina was able to erase a five-point halftime deficit to knock off Miami, 73-64.

The Hurricanes had already scored an upset over No. 5 Duke this season, and it appeared as though things were heading in a similar direction on Wednesday. This time, however, Harrison Barnes stepped up for the Tar Heels.

The sophomore forward continued his strong play this season with 23 points and 6 rebounds against Miami. His performance was able to compensate for the poor night for the Heels’ second leading-scorer, senior forward Tyler Zeller, who shot 4-for-13 from the field.

North Carolina head coach Roy Williams believes that although the team is winning, its best basketball is yet to come.

From the The Charlotte Observer:

“I told the guys in the locker room, when we start making some shots, we’re going to be really a good basketball team,” Williams said. “… I really do believe we’re good shooters. We just don’t show it during the game.”

Despite the disappointing loss to Duke last week, North Carolina is back atop the ACC with a 9-2 conference record. The winning should continue with a 13-12 Clemson team due up on Saturday.