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UNC solves Syracuse zone, pulls away in second half

 
Published Jan. 27, 2015

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Just about everything worked for No. 13 North Carolina against Syracuse's zone defense — once the Tar Heels stopped throwing the ball away.

Brice Johnson had 15 of his 17 points after halftime, and UNC shot 55 percent to beat Syracuse 93-83 on Monday night.

Nate Britt added a career-best 17 points and four 3-pointers for the Tar Heels (17-4, 7-1 ACC), who pulled away in the final four minutes for their sixth straight win. UNC shot 62 percent after halftime and posted the best shooting and scoring totals allowed all season by the Orange despite committing a season-high 20 turnovers.

"Everything looks better, guys, when the ball goes in the basket," coach Roy Williams said.

That's happening a lot lately, as UNC shot at least 55 percent for the third time in five games and had its best scoring output in an ACC game this season. The Tar Heels made 9 of 16 3-pointers.

NO. 12 WICHITA ST.: Redshirt guard Conner Frankamp, 19, was arrested Sunday on suspicion of DUI, authorities said.

NO. 22 INDIANA: Sophomore forward Devin Davis, who sustained a brain injury in a fall traffic accident, will not play this season.

WASHINGTON: Junior center Robert Upshaw, the national leader in blocks, was dismissed from the program for a violation of team rules.

AP POLL: Kentucky stayed in its season-long perch at No. 1. No. 21 Georgetown, No. 23 Miami and No. 25 Butler were new to the poll, and Dayton, Seton Hall and Iowa fell out.

Women

NO. 1 S.C. 79, NO. 12 TEXAS A&M 61: Freshman A'ja Wilson scored 18 for the host Gamecocks (19-0, 7-0 SEC), who put away the Aggies (16-5, 4-3) with a 27-8 run in the second half.

NO. 25 CHATTANOOGA 49, SAMFORD 32: Keiana Gilbert scored 14 to help the host Mocs (18-3, 6-0 Southern) to their 14th consecutive victory.

AP POLL: Jim Foster became the first women's coach to lead four schools into the poll as Chattanooga entered at No. 25. Oklahoma entered at No. 24, and Minnesota and Western Kentucky fell out. No. 9 Florida State jumped eight spots.