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The bang bang of silky-smooth Brady Manek 3-pointers works just as well Down Under, as he is starting to heat up after a slow start to his season. In the last two games, he’s combined to score 46 points and go 11 of 15 from 3-point range. In no coincidence, his Perth Wildcats have won two consecutive games after losing their previous five.
Suffering through a prolonged shooting slump, Reggie Bullock still couldn’t find the shooting stroke through three quarters on Tuesday night. Suddenly in the fourth quarter, it all came together for Bullock in the Dallas Mavericks’ 117–112 home victory over the Los Angeles Clippers after his status was uncertain entering the game because of a neck strain.
CHAPEL HILL — When Pete Nance’s first 3-pointer as a Tar Heel swished through the net 61 seconds into the game, it was probably a relief for him. It was a significant relief for No. 1 North Carolina that Nance was in a groove in the first half. He was responsible for 13 of the Tar Heels’ first 15 points in a highly choppy first-half performance.
Andrew Platek’s first season at Siena came to a frustrating early end, but his second season there is off to a terrific start. Platek knocked down three 3-pointers in a decisive second-half run and scored a career-high 15 points in Sunday’s 75–62 victory over Albany to claim the Albany Cup. That bettered his previous career-high of 13 points he scored in the Saints’ season-opening 75–68 win at Holy Cross.
Junior Puff Johnson has missed No. 1 North Carolina’s first two games and will likely be out for at least two more as he recovers from a sore knee. Coach Hubert Davis said Monday that he practiced Sunday and had limited reps Monday.
Carolina held the top spot in the latest AP Top 25 men’s basketball poll, but its lead in first-place votes over No. 2 Gonzaga fell from 35 votes to 30. The Tar Heels (2–0) won home games against UNC Wilmington 69–56 and College of Charleston 102–86, with preseason ACC player of the year Armando Bacot scoring 28 points. The Zags (2–0) beat North Florida 104–63 but barely knocked off unranked Michigan State 64–63.
By R.L. Bynum CHAPEL HILL — Second-half Caleb Love scoring surges were magical last season, and he shot top-ranked Carolina … More
When given a chance to show his ability this season, Nassir Little has taken advantage of the opportunity and Wednesday night in New Orleans was one of those occasions. In a season-high of nearly 24 minutes, Little scored a season-high 15 points and hit some key late baskets as the Portland Trail Blazers won their third consecutive game, all on the road, with a 106–95 victory over the Pelicans.
Depending on where you live and your television provider, it may be a challenge to watch top-ranked Carolina’s game Friday night against College of Charleston. The 7:04 p.m. game will be one of only two UNC men’s games all season that will air on regional sports networks, which aren’t wide availability. Your regional sports network depends on where you live, with the possibilities including Bally Sports regional networks, MASN, NESN and Yes Network.
There will be a special halftime ceremony Friday night that no Tar Heels fan will want to miss. Carolina will honor Lennie Rosenbluth, the legendary star of the storied 1957 national championship team, at halftime of the College of Charleston game at the Smith Center, where his retired No. 10 jersey hangs from the rafters.
Harrison Barnes rebounded from his worst game of the young season with his best to lead Sacramento to a big victory. Barnes, who was scoreless in Monday’s loss at Golden State, collected 20 points and nine rebounds, both season-highs, in addition to three assists and two steals, as the 4–6 Kings beat the Cleveland Cavaliers at home Wednesday 127–120.
Cameron Johnson had surgery Tuesday to remove part of his right meniscus and is expected to be out for one to two months, according to ESPN. Johnson tore his right meniscus in Friday’s home loss to Portland when he tried to plant his right leg while trying to change directions. The news is a bit of a relief, considering more extensive surgery could have ended his season.
CHAPEL HILL — Coach Hubert Davis talked a lot about wanting to use his depth this season after leaning on his starters during the Final Four run and playing a tight rotation. He may still use a deeper rotation this season. But against a physical and aggressive UNCW team that won 27 games a year ago, that didn’t happen.
A season that started with so much promise for Cameron Johnson has taken a painful and frustrating turn. He left Friday’s Phoenix Suns game against the Portland Trail Blazers with a knee injury and the team announced Sunday that Johnson tore the meniscus in his right knee, will undergo surgery and is out “until further notice.” His recovery period could take months.
With the most playing time for Portland all season, Nassir Little had his best night Friday in a game Cameron Johnson left early with a knee injury. Little, who had previously not played more than 19 minutes this season, scored a season-high 12 points in 23 minutes of the Portland Trail Blazers’ 108–106 road victory over the Phoenix Suns.
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