Greensboro, NC (Sports Network) - Reggie Bullock netted 15 points to go along
with nine rebounds and Dexter Strickland also had 15 points and dished out
four assists as North Carolina picked up a 79-76 victory over Maryland in ACC
semifinal action.
James Michael McAdoo scored 13 points and grabbed eight boards and P.J.
Hairston scored 13 points for the Tar Heels (24-9), who advance to play Miami-
Florida in Sunday's ACC title game and have won eight of nine.
Alex Len led all players with 20 points and pulled down seven rebounds, while
Nick Faust followed with 17 points on 5-of-9 shooting from 3-point range for
the Terrapins (22-12), who had the ball with 10.9 seconds remaining, but Logan
Aronhalt misfired completely from behind the arc and UNC was able to hold on
for the victory.
UNC led by 13 points 8 1/2 minutes into the second half on two Leslie McDonald
free throws. Maryland then utilized a 12-2 flurry to claw back within 60-57
with 8:46 remaining.
McDonald and Bullock then helped the Tar Heels distance themselves, nailing
back-to-back triples -- in between one Len free throw -- before McDonald hit
two free throws to make it a 10-point advantage with just over seven minutes
to play.
Maryland wasn't done though, as Len's layup with three minutes to play capped
off a quick 7-0 spurt to bring the 'Terps within 71-70.
UNC, however, answered with Marcus Paige, who supplied four points during a
crucial 6-1 swing, as his baseline lay-in with 36.5 seconds remaining
increased the edge to 77-72, allowing the Tar Heels to hold on for the
victory.
McAdoo's jumper around the midway point of the first half put the Tar Heels
ahead 22-11 before two Seth Allen free throws with under five minutes to play
cut the deficit to 27-24, capping off a 13-5 swing.
North Carolina held a 37-32 edge at the break.
GAME NOTES:
The Sports Network