After 20 minutes of action from the Dean Smith Center, the Boston College Eagles trail No. 4 North Carolina by the score of 40-27. The Eagles were led in the first half by Matt Humphrey who had nine points including a three pointer that provided the team with their only lead of the game at 9-8.
The Eagles struggled early with turnovers, two by starting point guard Jordan Daniels, that allowed the Tar Heels to get out to an 8-2 lead thanks to baskets from Tyler Zeller and John Henson. As the game progressed, the Eagles were able to settle down and find some success in their offense, particularly by utilizing back door cuts and slipping screens for open jumpers.
The Tar Heels were led in the first half by national player of the year candidate Harrison Barnes, who finished with 12 points in the opening 20 minutes on just seven shots including a beautiful "and one" play that saw him create contact on a breakaway and still be able to finish the basket. Other leading scorers for the Heels included Tyler Zeller and PJ Hairston.
Defensively, the Eagles allowed North Carolina to shoot the ball at 48% from the field including 4-7 from the three point line. On the bright side, one of the teams biggest weaknesses this season has been pretty much a nonfactor, as BC was only outrebounded by five.
For the Eagles to climb back into the game in the second half, they’ll need to stop turning the ball over, as they committed 11 in the opening half that the highly rated Tar Heels converted into 11 points. By comparison, North Carolina turned the ball over seven times resulting in just two point for Boston College.
The Eagles have missed four of their six free throw attempts.