In an ugly matchup between the Tar Heels and the Tigers, the Heels came out on top in the end by a score of 64-62. There were two huge plays at the end of the game when Harrison Barnes posterized Milton Jennings and Kendall Marshall stole the ball and took it to the basket for a score. It took free throws to put away the Tigers as they caught on fire and hit 3 long three-pointers at the end.
Harrison Barnes led both teams with 20 points and Kendall Marshall added 18 points. Marshall was 10-11 from the free throw line and hit some huge free throws towards the end. He did not have his best game dishing it out as he only had three assists to three turnovers, but he still found a way to make a difference in the game. He may be on his way to being an all around good player. Henson may have been the most important Tar Heel, though. He had a double-double with 14 points, 12 rebounds, and adding 4 blocks.
This makes the second straight game that the Tar Heels did not get much bench production as there was only one point scored off the bench. That will have to change for the Heels to go deep in the tourney. The team shot another dismal 2-14 from behind the arc.
The Tigers were led by Demontez Stitt who had 17 points. Milton Jennings added 15 off the bench as he contributed a double-double.
It was an ugly game but one that should help North Carolina and Clemson down the stretch. A close game is a good learning experience and North Carolina will be happy to get on the bus with a win at Little John.
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