Where: Dean Smith Center, Chapel Hill, NC
When: Tuesday, March 4th, 8:00 PM
TV: Raycom
Records: UNC 27-2, 12-2 ACC; FSU 17-12, 6-8 ACC
FSU guard Toney Douglas told Andy Katz they were going to "shock the world" which might be the most asinine thing a FSU player has done in relation to UNC since Sam Cassell wagged his tongue at the camera in 1993.
Senior Night and really this should be all about Quentin Thomas who is four wins away from being the all time winningest Tar Heel basketball ever. Pretty hefty company for QT and if you are inclined be sure to check out the N&O feature today on the senior point guard. The article covers the frustrations and failure over the past four years and how so many times QT felt like quitting but was bolstered by his family who told him to be patient and "his time would come." It came on February 3rd against these same Seminoles and despite the loss versus Duke(which, according to the article, QT apologized to his teammates for) this senior has found more than a measure of redemption in keep this team afloat in perhaps the worst stretch of injuries I think I have ever seen on one UNC team.
Last night I was watching Kansas play Texas Tech on Senior Night in Lawrence. Since the Jayhawks had wiped the Red Raiders off the face of the planet by midway through the 2nd half, Kansas had the luxury of playing all their seniors for extended minutes and some fan favorites had the opportunity to score. Then at the end Bill Self put all the seniors in and then brought them out one at a time for an ovation. If you asked me what the best scenario would be for tonight, it would be UNC blowing the doors off FSU with QT having a great game and with about 2-3 minutes left, Roy sends a sub in for QT so he can exit the game to a wild standing ovation at the Dean Dome. For all the times we as fans have questioned QT's abilities and cringed at watching him run the offense it is only fitting that a sold out Smith Center should come to their feet and offer QT a measure of recognition. UNC fans should offer nothing but gratitude for what QT did during a crucial stretch this season and also to say thank you for rising to the moment when the Heels needed it most. In other words, thanks for being a senior.
UNC 102 FSU 74