UNC star freshman Harrison Barnes had a career, scoring a personal-best -- points as No. 23 North Carolina dismantled Boston College, 106-74, in an ACC contest at Conte Forum on Tuesday night.
The Eagles have lost three games in a row, all against ACC opponents. In addition, BC has dropped four of its last five games. As for North Carolina, the Tar Heels have finally hit their stride, winning four consecutive games, and are now tied with Duke atop the ACC.
Barnes also had six rebounds and one assist for UNC (16-5, 6-1 ACC), which shot 57.4% from the field (39-for-68) and 52.4% from beyond the arc (11-for-21). Tyler Zeller added 18 points and six rebounds. Reggie Bullock scored 16 points off the bench and John Henson added 13 points and seven rebounds for the Tar Heels.
Joe Trapani led Boston College with 25 points, 15 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Corey Raji had 16 points and six rebounds and Biko Paris added 11 points. Reggie Jackson continued to struggle, scoring six points on 2-of-10 shooting (0-of-3 3PT).
BC had another poor night from the field, making 24-of-68 shots (35.3%) and 13-of-33 threes (39.4%). The Eagles finished with 32 rebounds, 18 assists, five steals, four blocks and 16 turnovers while UNC amassed 39 rebounds, 27 assists, six steals, four blocks and had only nine turnovers.
Boston College held an 18-16 lead ten minutes through the opening half, but UNC closed out the half on an impressive 33-17 run to take a 49-35 lead at the intermission. The Eagles were unable to bridge the gap in the second half, as the Tar Heels outscored BC 57-39 too seal the victory.
The Eagles will look to right the ship on Saturday afternoon when they host ACC rival Virginia Tech. As for UNC, it hosts conference rival Florida State on Sunday before meeting archrival Duke at Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 9th.