Well this is it. Any hopes of the Orange going to the NCAA tournament are tied with Syracuse winning the ACC tournament. Four games in four days. No big deal right? If you can’t already sense my sarcasm, I’m beyond over with this season and honestly just want to see it come to a merciful end. But alas, it’s not over until it’s over. Maybe the Orange can give me some hope if they win tonight against the North Carolina Tar Heels. With that, let’s catch back up with the Tar Heels.
Tar Heels Since February 29th
It was only 11 days ago since the Orange lost to the Tar Heels 92-79 in the Dome. Cole Anthony had a phenomenal performance going 7 of 11 from three point range and almost single handily brought the Orange to their knees. They finished out the regular season with a 93-83 win over Wake Forest and a 89-76 beat down against the Duke Blue Devils. The Tar Heels already got a head start last night defeating Virginia Tech in the 1st round of the ACC tournament 78-56. Garrison Brooks one again led in scoring for the Tar Heels dropping 20 points. Cole Anthony struggled against the Hokies only scoring 10 points and going 3 from 10 from the floor. The Tar Heels shot 53% from the three point arc going 7 for 13 thanks in large part to senior guard Brandon Robinson as he himself went 5 for 6 from three. Not only did the Tar Heels shoot will from behind the arc, but they got strong play down low from freshman Armando Bacot as he recorded a double double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. All of this is going to spell trouble for the Orange tonight if they want to get the win against the Tar Heels.
Final Prediction
Honestly maybe I’m just in a bitter mood, but I don’t see the Orange winning this game. It’s not impossible to think the Orange can get the job done and win. After all North Carolina has been awful this season. Yes their have been injuries for the Tar Heels but they have lost a lot of close games and just haven’t been the same this season. That being said, the Orange have been unable to score and the offense is struggling to shoot from three. North Carolina has been shooting very well from three lately. You see where this is going right? The Tar Heels are going to make anywhere from 7-12 three point shots and the Orange will struggle to score. The perfect recipe for a one and done performance in the ACC tournament. Prove me wrong boys.
