Posted by Andy Katz
ATLANTA -- First-half musings:
• North Carolina found its footing without Ty Lawson midway through the first half and led 43-42 at the break. Scoring 43 points without the ACC player of the year isn't bad.
• No surprise, but the ACC folks say this is the first time the conference player of the year hasn't played in the league tournament.
• Tyler Hansbrough needs to get more touches. Virginia Tech is having a hard time staying on him if he gets in position.
• Wayne Ellington has the hot hand, and the Hokies have had a hard time finding him in spots.
• Lawson definitely is limping. Hard to see how he'll play Saturday if the Tar Heels advance.
• Bobby Frasor clearly is better on the wing with Larry Drew II pushing the ball.
• A.D. Vassallo had his moments, but the Hokies were effective early in getting Cheick Diakite involved. He had six points early.
• The Hokies need Dorenzo Hudson to keep pushing right at the Tar Heels to keep them on their heels.
• Tyler Zeller got in for a minute. It's amazing how lost he looks after he seemed to be a major part of the bench prior to getting hurt early in the season. Lawson's injury has brought seldom-used Justin Watts off the bench.
• The crowd here, as expected, is quite different today. The Tar Heels bring the blue-blooded folks. Good energy, even though the upper deck is mostly empty.
