Box score

Heels defeat Wildcats in Rupp Arena. Who saw this one coming? I was worried, I'll admit. My best guess would be the Heels would fight hard but fall by 10 or 12. They fought hard, alright.
Kentucky went up early, but the Tar Heels took the lead for good on a Danny Green 3 with just under 11 minutes to play in the first half.

Where did this outside shooting come from? We certainly didn't see it against Illinois. Where did this free throw shooting come from? Ditto.

My hat is off to the young Tar Heels, who went into one of the most hostile arenas in college basketball and got a win. A win! I was hoping for a game effort. I got one.

Game ball goes to Reyshawn Terry, who must have heard us as a fan base imploring him to find himself. Reyshawn stepped up in a big way. Tuesday he was forcing shots. Today, he was creating opportunities.

David Noel was the senior leader. Bobby Frasor and Wes Miller were the floor generals. Marcus Ginyard continues to surprise. He's a special player in the mold of Jackie Manuel and Brian Reese (I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't try to make these comparisons, but everybody wants to do it).

Tyler Hansbrough didn't have his best game offensively. However, it's comforting to see the Heels hit from outside when the post is covered. I understand we don't want to rely on that per se, but when you're hitting, you're hitting.

I continue to enjoy watching this team represent my alma mater. I am as proud of them as I have been any North Carolina team. They continue to surpass expectations.

As I said after Tuesday's game, I originally looked at this season simply as a tune-up for the next one. I won't make that mistake anymore. Though I certainly am excited about the six special players that will join the roster, every game we can see a team of Tar Heels is to be enjoyed.

Lucas does it again.