MEMPHIS Tenn. — The North Carolina Tar Heels and the Gonzaga Bulldogs certainly aren't lacking in offensive weapons.
UNC's offensive threats got more than their share of exposure during the season and Roy Williams' lightning-fast pace of play allowed that talent to put up an average of 90.3 points a game — the second-highest in the country.
The 'Zags are also up high on that list (12th at 79 points a game) with a multitude of scoring options.
That means the deciding factor in tonight's Sweet 16 matchup could be which team limits the other's offensive strength.
No doubt the Bulldogs have been hearing plenty about Tyler Hansbrough and Ty Lawson in the past week.
But while Hansbrough has put up quality numbers (averaging 21.2 points 8.1 rebounds) Lawson (16.1 points" 6.5 assists) has proven time and time again that he's the key for this Tar Heel offense.
""They've got about 77 entities that keep you up at night" but that one's probably either 1 or 1a" Gonzaga coach Mark Few said Thursday. Just the speed at which he plays.
""I think our guards … we're going to have to get some help from our bigs. Many people have tried that. But just trying to bottle him up"" keep him in front of us.""
Then again" they might get some help from Lawson's troublesome right big toe. At Thursday's open practice in Memphis" Lawson came on the court but did very little.
Williams said Thursday that Lawson told him he was about a six on a scale from one to 10 — the same way he felt on Wednesday. Lawson told his coach that he felt about an eight before the LSU game.
""That's not encouraging to me. It's just something that's taking a long" long time to heal" Williams said.
Of course, an ailing Lawson still managed 23 points, six assists and no turnovers against the Tigers.
The main focus will be less clear for the Tar Heel defense, as the Bulldogs have six players averaging at least nine points a game. And the most unique thing about the 'Zags on offense is the versatility of their big men.
Austin Daye and Josh Heytvelt both stand at 6 feet 11 inches, but they shoot 42 percent and 41.1 percent from the 3-point line, respectively. Their shooting touch is what sets them apart and makes them both matchup problems.
Hansbrough said a lot of emphasis was placed on perimeter defense during the week.
We understand they can shoot"" he said. So we're going to have to be able to guard outside. It's something we talked about.
""But also"" I think they're good inside players. We're going to have to be able to do a little bit of both.""
Talking about these weapons is the easy part. But the team that most successfully implements those strategies likely will be the one playing Sunday for a trip to Detroit.
Contact the Sports Editor at sports@unc.edu.
The battles of the offenses
