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ACC Basketball: North Carolina ends Florida State’s 12-game win streak

By Carmine Carcieri

Nov 15, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) and forward Kennedy Meeks (3) and forward Isaiah Hicks (4) celebrate in game against Long Beach State 49ers during the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. North Carolina won 93-67. Mandatory Credit: Evan Pike-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) and forward Kennedy Meeks (3) and forward Isaiah Hicks (4) celebrate in game against Long Beach State 49ers during the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. North Carolina won 93-67. Mandatory Credit: Evan Pike-USA TODAY Sports /
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In a top 15 ACC basketball showdown, North Carolina ended Florida State’s 12-game win streak.

Coming into Saturday, there were two undefeated teams in ACC play: Notre Dame and Florida State. While the Irish held serve against the Virginia Tech Hokies on the road (another impressive win after notching a W at Miami earlier this week), the Florida State Seminoles couldn’t knock off one of the best, if not the best, team in the loaded conference.

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The North Carolina Tar Heels downed the ‘Noles, 96-83, ending FSU’s 12-game win streak. Both teams are now tied for second place in the ACC at 4-1 — although the Seminoles have a 16-2 record, while North Carolina has three losses.

The Tar Heels’ two stars, Joel Berry II and Justin Jackson, were terrific yet again, as they scored 26 and 22 points respectively. They hit a combined six threes and turned the ball over just three times.

But North Carolina also received significant contributions from their role players. Isaiah Hicks dropped 22 points on 5-of-7 shooting (12-of-14 from the free throw line), Theo Pinson added 12 points and 10 rebounds and Luke Maye had the best game of his career, grabbing 15 rebounds against FSU’s deep front line.

The Tar Heels had just 12 assists to 15 turnovers, but they shot 43 percent from the field overall and 44 percent from downtown. They also made 26 free throws to Florida State’s 12.

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However, the difference in the game came on the glass, where North Carolina flexed their muscles even without freshman Tony Bradley (concussion). The Tar Heels out-rebounded the Seminoles by 22 and snagged an outstanding 21 offensive rebounds.

The Seminoles have one of the most athletic, versatile, strong and long front lines in the country, never mind just the ACC. But North Carolina is the best rebounding team in the nation. Kennedy Meeks is strong and physical. Hicks is athletic and long. Maye battled all afternoon long. And Pinson brings energy and aggressiveness off the bench (their rebounding has only gotten better with his return).

So did this game prove that UNC is the best team in the ACC?

Not definitively. The Tar Heels are certainly one of the most talented and experienced teams in the league, but they also lost to Georgia Tech and there are other worthy candidates. Notre Dame is unbeaten. Florida State, despite their loss on Saturday, is the deepest squad and is elite offensively. And don’t forget about Louisville, who is dominant defensively.

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Regardless, the ACC is flat out loaded. There are 10-to-11 potential NCAA Tournament teams in the league and Clemson, who is a solid ball club, is sitting tied for last. Overall, this is a good win for the Tar Heels, but it also doesn’t impact the big picture for Florida State. It’s just life in the ACC.