Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament Semifinals: No. 1 North Carolina beat No. 4 Boston College 71-56 to move into the ACC championship game. Boston College struggled from the field, shooting only 34.5 percent and scoring only 23 points in the first half. The Tar Heels built a 38-23 lead at halftime and cruised throughout the second half to the victory. Freshman Brandan Wright led North Carolina with 20 points, while Jared Dudley and Sean Marshall scored 43 of Boston College’s 56 points. The Tar Heels will play No. 10 North Carolina State for the ACC championship.
The Wolfpack continued their magical post-season run with a third consecutive upset, this time against No. 2 Virginia Tech 72-64. Senior Gavin Grant was 11-of-11 from the free throw line, part of his game-high 20 points. North Carolina State shot better than 52 percent from the field and took advantage of the Hokies’ missed opportunities. Virginia Tech missed 11 free throws, which allowed North Carolina State to extend its lead in the second half. The Wolfpack, on the other hand, were spectacular at the line, hitting 24-of-28 free throw attempts to preserve the victory when the Hokies started fouling away in the final minute. [3/10/07]
