Heels Win, But Lawson Injured and Doubts He'll Play Vs. Duke

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Heels Win, But Lawson Injured and Doubts He'll Play Vs. Duke

By Bob Ferrante

Feb 3, 2008

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Tallahassee, Fla. — Tyler Hansbrough kept his composure but was clearly frustrated, Wayne Ellington had an off night and Ty Lawson missed most of the game with an ankle injury, an injury that raised doubts about whether he will play Wednesday against Duke.

That North Carolina was able to grind out an overtime win in the Atlantic Coast Conference speaks volumes about the Tar Heels’ resolve and depth.

Hansbrough finished with 22 points – including 19 after halftime – and grabbed a career-high 21 rebounds as fourth-ranked Carolina held off a furious second-half charge by Florida State to take an 84-73 win on Sunday afternoon.

UNC (21-1, 6-1 ACC) overpowered FSU 17-6 in overtime, paced by eight points from Hansbrough.

“I couldn’t be prouder of my kids,” UNC coach Roy Williams said. “You have to win some games on toughness. FSU pushed us to the limit.”

But the win came with a cost. Sophomore point guard Lawson injured his left ankle while diving for a loose ball just four minutes into the game. Lawson got tangled up with FSU forward Ryan Reid, and Lawson remained on the court for a few minutes before getting up gingerly and slowly walking off the floor.

Trainer Marc Davis iced and then taped Lawson’s ankle, but Lawson did not return and finished with just four points and no assists. He said after the game that he thought he had a high-ankle sprain. Davis said UNC would likely X-ray Lawson’s ankle Monday.

“I thought I could play, but it just hurt too much when I tried to jump on it,” Lawson said.

When asked if he thought he could play against Duke, he said, “I don’t think so right now.”

Lawson was averaging 14.1 points and 5.7 assists going into Sunday’s game. He is one of 16 finalists for the Bob Cousy award, which honors the nation’s top point guard.

Without Lawson, the Tar Heels had to hold on even after 6-foot-8 sophomore forward Ryan Reid rebounded and knocked down the first 3-point attempt of his career to tie the game at 67 with seven seconds left in regulation.

UNC elected not to call a timeout and quickly pushed the ball up the floor, but Hansbrough was smothered at the top of the key and just got off a pass to Danny Green as time began to slip away. Green scored 19 points, but his shot – after the buzzer -- was off the mark.

The Tar Heels pulled out a win despite the loss of Lawson, who said he could not play after suffering a high-ankle sprain. He said after the game that he wasn’t sure if he would be able play on Wednesday against third-ranked Duke.

UNC led most of the first half, but Hansbrough was held to just three points and didn’t make a field goal until he sank a jump hook with 9:43 left in the second half.
But he was able to record his 12th double-double of the season and set a school record. The junior forward broke Lennie Rosenbluth’s UNC mark for career free throws made when he knocked down his 604th with 4:02 left in the first half.

Hansbrough now has 613 for his career.

Hansbrough is also climbing UNC’s career points list. He’s now 12th with 1,766 points – 22 behind Michael Jordan for 11th place.

UNC needed everything Hansbrough had in the second half and overtime. While the lead changed hands four times in the second half, UNC led 66-58 with 2:12 left in regulation after Hansbrough made a pair of free throws.

But the Tar Heels didn’t make a shot from the floor the rest of the second half. FSU’s Isaiah Swann knocked down a 3-pointer, Toney Douglas made a free throw and then a mid-range jumper before Ellington hit one of two free throws to give UNC a 67-64 lead.
Swann missed a 3-pointer with 11 seconds to go, and the ball was rebounded by the most unlikely clutch 3-point shooter: Reid.

“I’ve practiced it before,” Reid said. “I couldn’t pass the ball to anyone.”

FSU (13-10, 2-6) didn’t have anything left in the tank in overtime and lost for the sixth time in seven games. While Jason Rich led FSU with 22 points, Toney Douglas had 12 points on 3 of 20 shooting from the floor -- missing four point-blank layups in regulation that could have given the Seminoles an upset.

“We knew it was going to be tough,” Hansbrough said. “That’s part of playing on the road: just keep your composure.”

Most Recent Comments

I didn't hear you saying that when Reid PUNCHED Paulus... I'm glad you've seen the light..."

Paulus kicked before the punch. Regardless, I dislike both players.

On a second note...I saw Ty Lawson on campus today and he was wearing a boot and walking on crutches. It's probably not the best news.
TarHeel Undergrad
GOLO member since September 25, 2007
February 4, 2008 5:40 p.m.
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Did he have a hoodie, and sunglasses on ala Tom Brady????

"I didn't hear you saying that when Reid PUNCHED Paulus... I'm glad you've seen the light..."

Paulus kicked before the punch. Regardless, I dislike both players.

On a second note...I saw Ty Lawson on campus today and he was wearing a boot and walking on crutches. It's probably not the best news.

"The WB, I just posted on that story...the problem is that as we all no, we have to be babysat over the weekend and are not allowed to post til Monday...this was a Saturday game and is now old news. Your game was yesterday so it's still fresh."

Maybe, but it looks like sommebody has voted the Duke story to #4 most poular and still there are not many posts. Face it, more people are interested in UNC.

I dont like Deron Washingto either. Sooner or later he is going to really hurt someone. Some unc fans talk about Paulus and flopping but even those fans would have to admit that Deron Washington is the best flopper and he could win and academy award for his acting, even the refs seem to be getting tired of all his acting.

"I don't know who I DISPISE more Reid, or Deron Washington..."

This is true. Sad thing is they both have so much potential, yet they play a style that just makes everyone dislike them.

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