UNC takes ACC newcomer Cal

by Sharon Thorsland

Fresh off a thrilling two-point win over rival NC State, North Carolina is back home at the Dean Dome Wednesday night to take on Cal. This is the first season in the ACC for the Golden Bears, who are 8-8 on the season and just 1-4 in conference play. But they’re better than their record shows; half of their losses are by single digits. The Tar Heels are playing maybe their best basketball of the season. The win over the Wolfpack was their third straight and improved them to 11-6 on the year, 4-1 in ACC play. Tip-off is set for 7:00 on WBT.

Cal’s offense revolves around guard Andrej Stojakovic, who is the son of former NBA Champion Peja Stojakovic. The sophomore is averaging over 20 points per game – that ranks second in the ACC and 12th in the country. And he’s the top scorer in ACC games at over 24 a contest. The Heels counter with freshman Ian Jackson, who is third in the league at 20.8 points a game. Stojakovic will no doubt be the focus of the UNC defense, which has been much improved over their three-game win streak.

The Golden Bears don’t have a lot of height, with 6’9 Mady Sissoko anchoring the inside game. The Michigan State transfer is averaging six points and 6.9 rebounds per game. He’ll be matched up against UNC big man Jalen Washington, who notched his first career double double against the Wolfpack and cuuld be the key to the Heels turning around their season.

Cal’s defense is one of the worst in the ACC. The Bears rank 247th in the nation in defensive efficiency, and give up over 75 points per game. Teams are shooting 47% overall and 37% from three against Cal. That’s good news for RJ Davis and company, who are looking to rebound from a rough offensive outing against the Wolfpack.

These teams have only played each other five times, and haven’t met since 1998, when Cal won the only game in the series. UNC has won the other four, and should add to that total after this one. Go Tar Heels!