The FTCC Trojans made their second trip to UNC to face the Tarheel JV team. They were able to get a win their first trip last year, but the Tarheel team is much improved from last year and undefeated in the Smith Center. Although they opened well, the Trojans were putt off their game early and were never able to get a team rhythm going, suffering their largest defeat of the season, 51-101.
The Trojans were able to get the match-ups they wanted with Johnny Hughes and CJ Miller pushing the ball to the rim for a few early baskets. The Tarheels adjusted to this attack and then the Trojans started to try one-on-one match-ups which failed to produce any good opportunities. Poor passing against an aggressive defense resulted in a couple turnovers and rushed shots as the shot clock ran down, and the rout was on. They seemed unable to get back into a team system, and the Trojans trailed 20-48 at the half.
FTCC was able to cut into the lead early in the second half, but the game quickly reverted to the play of the first half, and the Trojans played to survive. The final was 101-51 for the Tarheels, as Head Coach Hubert Davis showed what can be done with players who buy into the team concept and don’t worry bout who is scoring; just that the team is scoring. Coach Davis addressed the Trojans after the game and reinforced this message. Maybe this is a good lesson as the Trojans enter their last two games of the season and start their first Region 10 Tournament run next weekend.
