Getting It

After watching UNC's 84-61 win over Oakland University last night, I came away thinking "This team gets it." They get making the extra pass to someone with a better shot, they get playing better perimeter defense and getting a hand in the shooter's face, and they get crashing the boards. At some point and time in the very near future and until the situation between the NCAA and P.J. Hairston and Leslie McDonald comes to a resolution, they will miss the outside shooting of those two players. Last night that void was filled admirably by J.P. Tokoto and Marcus Paige. Tokoto had 13 points (all in the first half) and Paige had 14, including 4 of 7 three pointers, and Tokoto tied for the team lead with 5 Assists and led the team with 4 steals. It took James Michael McAdoo all of 7 seconds into the game to score on a driving layup and hit the "and one" for a three point play. He led the team with 21 points and 9 rebounds and 5 Tarheels scored in double figures. Oakland University was a dangerous team. They play fast and can hit the three point shot. The 'Heels neutralized that by playing good perimeter defense (Oakland was 8 for 25 from the three point line) and getting into the passing lanes. There were no easy shots. It was a good first win for the Tarheels and I came away impressed, especially with the first half.