By Ken Cross
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – North Carolina’s 96-85 win in the Tucker Center turned into a lesson for the Seminoles on the offensive glass. The Tar Heels outrebounded Florida State, 35-21, but the offensive glass saw UNC collect 13 offensive boards and outscore the ‘Noles 24-6 on the offensive boards.
“In all of my research and preparation for the game, Carolina had not been one of the better rebounding teams in the league this year,” said Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton. “Our inability to take care of that obviously cost us.”
North Carolina has pulled down 46 offensive rebounds in it’s last five games, but they have struggled throughout the season as they currently have 10 per game (229th/CBB) as does the opposition.
“Over the last four games, five games it’s been a strength,” noted North Carolina coach Hubert Davis. “We’re consistently getting a ‘3’, ‘4,’ and ‘5’ to the offensive glass. It has allowed us to be more efficient on the offensive end.”
The Seminoles had no offensive rebounds at halftime which was one major reason that North Carolina finished the first half on a 12-4 run for the 49-43 halftime lead, UNC extended its lead to 61-47 at the 17:06 mark after RJ Davis and Elliot Cadeau burried back-back-to-back threes.
“I just thought our inexperience showed during that period,” Hamilton explained. “At times we caught the ball and didn’t make quick decisions and we held the ball. That’s not how we attack a zone defense. That’s not who we are. We are just not as sharp in some areas as we are used to.
David led the Tar Heels witb 20 points while Cadeau handed out seven assists. Seth Trimble was a key on offense with 17 points.
North Carolina’s backcourt was consistently effective off the dribble as they were able to create which allowed North Carolina to shoot 55 percent from the floor as the Heels and ‘Noles matched each other with 10 three-pointers each.
“Defensively, it cost us and anytime you get the other team to miss shots, you have to come away with your fair share of the offensive rebounds that they are trying to get,” said Hamilton.
FSU small forward Jamir Watkins led all scorers with 26 points, and he kept the Seminoles within striking distance. He was the lone player able to score in the last 3:33 of the first half. Florida State was able to get shots at that point, but consistently couldn’t make baskets.
“Any time you look at stats, you think you would probably be happy with a 54 percent field goal percentage and 50 percent from three and then 75 percent from the free throw line, you would feel you had a pretty good game,” said Hamilton.