The first half of the North Carolina-Long Island game seemed like one run after another. UNC took a 14-5 lead to begin things, Long Island eventually went on a run to tie things at 33, then the Tar Heels scored 13 points to 2 for the Blackbirds to take an 11-point lead. The margin held until halftime, with North Carolina going into the locker room up 53-42.
NCAA Tournament Scores, North Carolina Vs. Long Island: No. 2 Tar Heels Lead Streaky Game At Halftime
Leading the Tar Heels: John Henson, with 20 points, and Harrison Barnes, with 14. Jamal Olaswere was the only Long Island player in double digits, with 11 points. Overall, North Carolina made 52.8 percent of their field goals, whether you want to credit the Tar Heels’ shooting or the Long Island defense for that. The Tar Heels also held a 23-16 edge in rebounds at the half.
About the only place Long Island had an advantage -- and it was one area where they almost have to do well -- was in free throws, where the Blackbirds were 4-of-14, compared to the single three the Heels made on six attempts. But even that wasn’t enough to keep North Carolina from grabbing a comfortable lead -- by being the team on the hot streak more often than not.
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