Heels pick up _¶ rst ACC victory

CHARLOTTESVILE Va. —Before Virginia's game against No. 5 North Carolina the Cavaliers trotted out graduated star Sean Singletary for pregame motivation.

While Singletary got the crowd on its feet he couldn't channel enough of his legendary scoring ability to the current roster of Wahoos to prevent a 83-61 drubbing at the hands of the Tar Heels.

A strong showing from the Tar Heels off the foul line didn't hurt either and they racked up an astounding 20 trips in the first half alone" resulting in 17 points.

""It was an emphasis for Tyler and Deon and Ed" all three said UNC coach Roy Williams.

You make a quicker move" or you shoot the ball or get it out.""

Tyler Hansbrough alone reached the charity stripe an impressive 17 times" collecting 15 of his game-high 28 points there passing Christian Laettner for fourth place in the ACC career scoring totals in the process.

The 15 free throws made were the third-most in a game for Hansbrough's career. He also pulled down 12 rebounds for yet another double-double.

Those free throws were due in large part to the resurgence of UNC's fast-break offense which had been missing in the Tar Heels' previous two losses.

Whatever kept UNC's legs in molasses against Boston College and Wake Forest was gone and Thursday night's contest turned into a track meet in which UVa. couldn't keep pace.

It seemed as though every time the Cavaliers missed a shot on the offensive end of the floor" UNC beat them down the court. North Carolina even got a fast-break lay-up off an inbounds play — after a timeout.

""I think in the first half" we were pretty doggone good Williams said. We were up 14 at the half and the first few minutes of the second half as well" I think we outscored them.""

Thanks in part to UNC's blistering pace of play and 13 points from Danny Green" the Tar Heels (15-2 1-2 ACC) raced out to a 50-36 halftime advantage and opened the second period with a 17-7 run to turn the game into a snoozefest.

While that type of play doesn't fix all of UNC's problems — notably their half-court offense which still struggled at times — it certainly mitigated them against the Cavaliers.

Most importantly for the Tar Heels Ty Lawson was a factor again. The junior point guard who struggled against Boston College and Wake Forest was involved once more in the game shooting 7-for-10" amassing 19 total points and dishing out nine assists.

""We've said all along that he's the energy for this team"" Hansbrough said of Lawson's performance. His ability to knock down shots and penetrate and kick and find open guys is very effective.""

Wayne Ellington also showed a bit of life as he continued to try and emerge from his recent shooting troubles. The junior shooting guard chipped in 13 points and five assists.

As if to provide a contrast to UNC's effectiveness" UVa.'s offense turned into an exercise in futility. The Cavaliers hoisted 78 shots total including 27 from beyond the arc — they made only 26 attempts and four treys.



Contact the Sports Editor at sports@unc.edu.