Dec. 2, 2006

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(Chapel Hill, N.C.) In the season's earliest game, the Tar Heels (5-0) overcame the 9 a.m. tip-off and a slow start to defeat King College, 113-73. It took over 5 minutes in regulation for either team to break into double-digit scoring, but it didn't take long after that for the Tar Heels to build and maintain a strong lead over the Tornado.

Scoring leader Mitch Townsend put up a season-high 20 points, followed by Patrick Moody and JB Tanner with 16 and 15, respectively. Townsend, who was a presence in the post, stressed the importance of defense in the win.

"My first priority is making my presence known on defense," Townsend said. "Even if I'm not scoring at all."

The Torando's strong defensive effort troubled the Tar Heels throughout the game, especially in the first half. The Tornado, who employed zone and man-to-man defenses, along with a variety of defensive traps to contain the Tar Heels, came out strong with a lead soon after the tip-off. It wasn't until late in the half when both teams started to pick up pace, with the Tar Heels leading 47-34 at the half.

Throughout the second half, the Tar Heels went on a series of runs, extending the lead before breaking the century mark with 2:31 on the clock.

JB Tanner, who scored 15 points entirely on 3-pointers, went 4 of 5 in the second half. Terrence Petree also scored 9 of his 12 points in the second half. Petree also contributed 5 rebounds and 3 assists in the victory.

Patrick Moody, who scored 16 points and had 9 rebounds, discussed the Tar Heels' offensive strategy.

"It's important to always keep the ball moving, finding open shooters for easy shots," Moody said. "And no matter what happens, you have to run as fast as you can to the other side."

But the Tar Heels might have played a little too selflessly, said Coach C.B. McGrath.

"I think at some points we may have tried too hard to share the ball," he said, "Extra passes can lead to turnovers if they're not converted."

But he was pleased overall with the team's effort over a well coached King team.

"They had some good shooters and came at us hard with their defense, but we made some shots and did fairly well on the boards. We just should have gotten into the game earlier."

The Tar Heels will return to the Dean E. Smith Center on Saturday, December 9th, where they face Mayland CC at 4 p.m.