by Sharon Thorsland
It’s do or die for North Carolina tonight as the Tar Heels take on Boston College in the ACC Tournament. Just about every pundit out there will tell you that the 7th seeded Tar Heels have to win at least three games in Greensboro if they want to make the NCAA Tournament. Whether or not that is true remains to be seen, but the Heels definitely have their collective backs against the wall. Boston College has already played one game in the tournament, the Eagles beat Louisville on Tuesday afternoon to advance. Tip-off is set for 7:00 tonight on WBT.
The Eagles were inconsistent this season, they finished 15-16 overall and 9-11 in the ACC. Injuries certainly played a part but lack of shooting and an overall poor offense were the major reasons, as the Eagles managed just 66.8 points per game. Seven-footer Quinten Post turned into their best player this season, averaging over 15 points per game and earning most improved player honors in the ACC. But he’s dealing with a sprained ankle and did not play yesterday. If Post is out again tonight the Heels would catch a big break, as TJ Bickerstaff isn’t near as imposing in the middle. He’s just 6’9 and is averaging 5.2 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. That would give UNC and Armando Bacot a decided edge inside.
The Eagles do have a pair of solid guards in Makai Ashton-Langford and Jaeden Zackery, who are the only other Eagles averaging in double figures this season. They’re streaky from the 3-point line, but so are the Tar Heels, who are 11-1 in games they make eight 3’s or more but struggle to win when they don’t. Go Heels!
