Next Up Jordan Williams and the Maryland Terps

Finally!!! Greivis Vasquezis GONE!  Believe it or not, but Maryland has won four of the last five times they matched up with the Tar Heels.  Damn Gary Williams, arguably the best X and Os coach in the ACC.  Tonight's match up comes against a surging Terp team that is playing with renewed confidence after two straight home wins with a new freshman starting PG.  Sound familiar?  However, the road has been more difficult for the Turtles, so lets hope that trend continues. 

I know that Jordan Williams got the headline and he should because he is the key to turtle power.  They will feed him in the post early and often, but I like our chances in those head-to-head match ups.  Jordan Williams is going to have a long day with the double team coming from Butter and Henson waiting to build on his shot blocking stats.  Personally, I believe the X-factor in this game for the Terps is going to be freshman Terrell Stogin.  Over his last five games, Stogin is averaging 19.2 points with 6 assists on 2.4 turnovers.  These numbers are significantly higher than his season averages, so he is playing at a high level at this point in the season.  The reason I think he is the X-factor is because he should be the direct beneficiary of the Jordan Williams double team.  He should get some open looks and is 7 of 13 beyond the arc over those same last five games.  The Tar Heels strength is its defense this year, but Tar Heel fans are well aware of the success that opposing guards have against them.  With Stogin hitting better than 50% beyond the arc, he might have a big day.

I Know Its a Team Game, But Whats the Point of a Blog If I Can't Conduct Arbitrary Analysis to Support My Point

Kendall Marshall vs. 

Terrell Stogin 

Advantage Tar Heels.  Don't be ridiculous.  Just because I say a couple of nice things about Stogin does not mean that he is a better point guard than Butter.  It does not matter how well he has played lately.  Didn't you notice the name of the blog.  Fun fact.  Butter needs 6 assists to become the ACC assist leader.  Not bad for a freshman that has only started 10 games.

Dexter Strickland vs. Sean Mosley

Advantage Tar Heels.  This is an interesting match up because both players are underrated for what they do for their team.  They are both Mr. Intangible. Dex's speed and defense are the difference makers in his game.  Without Dex, the Heels would not have as many Ws this year.  

Harrison Barnes vs. Cliff Tucker

Do I even have to write it?  Tucker played 12 minutes in the Terps last game against FSU.  The Black Falcon is 100% predator and Cliff Tucker Must Die.  Yeah.  I did and I don't care.  I referenced a Tweener movie that I have never seen because I am awesome.  And just like it would be a long 2 hrs watching that crappy movie, it is going to be a long 2 hrs for Tucker either making his guest appearance on Barnes' highlight reel or from the bench watching with a front row seat what most have to see on TV.

John Henson vs. Dino Gregory

Advantage Tar Heels.  Just ask C.J. Leslie why the Tar Heels have the advantage here.  I'm sure C.J. will mumble some inarticulate string of incomplete sentences peppered with more obscenities than verbs.  Gregory went 6-10 at FSU. I'd bet he does not get ten shots, including free throws, and definitely does not shoot 60%.  I kind of feel bad for Gregory . . . .  I'm just messing with you.  Send in the next victim.  Gregory should know Dinos don't last in the ACC.  Just ask Dino Gaudio.

Tyler Zeller vs. Jordan Williams

Advantage Tar Heels.  If there was going to be one match up that favored Maryland, this would have been the one, but it is not.  Why?  Because the basis of the analysis for this match up is not based on basketball.  It focuses on smarts in the classroom.  Zeller is an Academic All-American and a business major.  Not a lot of crip classes in the McColl building unlike, oh I don't know, the Criminal Justice department.  What you got Jordan Williams?  That's what I thought.  For the record, Zeller has the edge on the court too, but had to give him a shout out for his work with his academics.

Now, wasn't that fun!  Reports are that Tar Heel team confidence is very high after a few days of great practices with great shooting.  I am hoping it carries over to game time.  If it does, there is not a team in college basketball better than the Tar Heels.  As I said earlier, the Terps have struggled on the road and there is no place like home for the Tar Heels.  I would like to see the Heels get off to a fast start and cut the Terp's heart out like Magua in The Last of the Mohicans.  The Heels win 82-70.