Grain of Strength–ACC Weekend

So North Carolina won’t go undefeated this season as some prognosticators in their less sagacious moments suggested.    The formula to beat the Tar Heels players has never responded well to physical challenges (see Kansas and Georgetown in the NCAAs) and Ty Lawson struggles when matched up with offensive-minded, physical guards (see Rice, Tyrese & Vasquez, Greivis).

Roy Williams recognizes the problems: “We didn’t do a very good job of attacking. We’ve got to be more physical, we’ve got to be tougher mentally and physically and all those things.”

Hopefully last night’s display will push Rice into the national spotlight.  Basketball fans know he’s good but even in the ACC where BC is a Siberian outpost the 6-1 guard is under appreciated.  Bob Ryan argues Rice compares favorably to other elite BC guards, Michael Adams, Howard Eisley, & Troy Bell.  Back in November SI’s Kevin Armstrong wrote this feature on Rice, chronicling the relationship the guard had with his high school coach.

The beleaguered SEC scored two wins over ACC foes this weekend.  Alabama blew away Georgia Tech as the Jackets refused to play defense for most of the game.  With the woeful end to the Tide’s football season, fans can be encouraged by the stellar performance of Ronald Steele–23points, 10 assists.  Coach Mark Gottfried said of his injury ridden point guard: “Early in the game, it was as good as I’ve seen him in a couple years. He was quick, aggressive.  Today maybe was a breakthrough. I don’t know that he has to do that every night, but tonight he was an exceptional player.”   Bama completes their mini ACC tour with Clemson on Tuesday evening.

Florida limped by NC State.  Ken Tysiac reminds Wolfpack fans of familiar problems, inconsistency and injuries in the back-court.  State’s 18 turnovers doomed them.  But, why was Ben McCauley switching onto Calathes in a one point game?–either double and get the ball out of his hands or switch back in that situation.  McCauley had no chance and gave away a clean look.

According to Corey Clark the Seminoles did enough in their non-conference schedule to expect an invite in the dance come March.  Its hard to argue his point if wins over Florida and California hold up as the middle of the ACC could see very little difference between team 4 and team 11.