Tarholes 74, Clemson 52

I don't know if there is much to analysis needed for a game like this. Clemson rolled into Chapel Hill as huge underdogs (-12) against one of the most talented teams in the country and weren't able to cover. It's really quite simple. Clemson isn't going to break their losing streak in Chapel Hill until they start pulling in talent that is comparable to UNC. Right now the talent gap is just too wide. Player development is crucial, but we've gotta close the talent gap in recruiting first and foremost.

UNC's starting five consists of three 5 star recruits and two 4 star guys. Tyler Zeller was the lowest ranked recruit at #33 in his class. They are long, athletic, and have firepower across the board offensively. They can have an off game and still win easily, like they did tonight.

I'd like to be able sit here and tell you that we didn't execute well, or that we were out of position defensively, or that we were out coached. That'd give us hope that these are things that can be corrected. But I'd be lying. It comes down to talent. And right now they have it and we don't.

On to the game....Andre Young was the only Clemson player in double figures, finishing with 13 points. The guy plays his heart out and does all he can to score for this team. But the lack of complimentary scorers is very disturbing. I don't want to have to keep singling out one player, but Clemson needs considerably more production from the Small Forward position. Bryan Narcisse played 17 minutes and finished with 0 points, 0 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal. KJ McDaniels played 15 minutes and finished with 4, 1, 0, 0. Small forwards should be giving a team much more production than this. It usually takes big men time to develop, so you may see a lack of production at the 4 and 5 spot at times. But SF's should be able to produce night in and night out at this level.

We're off to Atlanta to play GT on Tuesday. Right now we're fighting for postseason eligibility. Finishing at .500 or better gives us a chance. We gotta bounce back from this loss and show up to play at GT.