Alright, alright.  I know I didn’t write enough about yesterday’s game.  I was exhausted.  Emotionally and physically.  The Tar Heels were on the ropes and got up to knock the Blue Devils on the canvas.

With three minutes to go, you were probably thinking the same thing I was.  “How can we lose to Duke again?  Why can’t we beat them?”  I was resigned to driving home mad, depressed, and upset.  All set to pay Carolina Alehouse for the chair I was ready to throw against the wall.

And then, it happened.  The time was now, and the Heels got it done.  Shut-down defense.  Fearlessness.  Drive.  And clinching the ACC Championship in the biggest rivalry in sports.  This is Carolina.

Sean May, Ladies and Gentlemen, is your ACC Player of the Year, and first team All-American.  A combined 50 points/rebounds (26 and 24) is ridiculous against Shelden Williams and Duke.

I don’t know what else to say about that game, except that it feels great to get that monkey off our back.

I would be able to talk just about that game, if not for Chris Paul.  He’s been suspended for one game, but that, quite simply, is not enough.  For three reasons: 1) It was Julius Hodge’s senior night.  I’m no Hodge fan, but he has meant a whole hell of a lot to N.C. State, and the ACC.  Certainly he gave up a year of the NBA to come back, and for what?  Not to get hit in the nether-regions.  2) Paul sent Hodge to the locker room, taking him out of the most important game in his team’s season.  The game meant a whole lot more to State than it did to Wake, and Paul denied Hodge the opportunity to play a full game for his team.  And 3) You just don’t do that to another man.  You just don’t.

The Lady Tar Heels face Duke tonight at 7:30 on Fox Sports Net for the ACC Tournament crown.  They’ll have to bring their AAA game if they want to take it from the Lady Blue Devils.  Sylvia made the runner-ups watch Duke celebrate last year’s title.  Here’s hoping that’s the needed motivation for the girls.  They are very lucky to be in tonight’s game.  Win tonight, and wrap up a number-one NCAA seed.  Go Heels!

Later this week I’ll give my preview of the ACC Tournament match-ups.  If only I could be there….