Hansbrough Hasn't Made a Shot, Yet Heels Still Lead Washington State by 14 - FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog

Washington State has won two things so far against North Carolina:

They are winning the battle of tempo as the game is being played in the 60s. The slow-down game has limited UNC's ability to run up the score and get easy baskets. They've also shut down Tyler Hansbrough to the tune of two points, no made field goals on four shot attempts and five rebounds.

However, the Cougars go into halfime still trailing the top ranked Tar Heels, 35-21.

For one thing, the Heels defense has been splendid themselves ... holding Washington State to just 9-of-26 shooting. They've held the Cougars' leading scorer Derrick Low to just five points.

Plus, despite the style of play and the defensive prowess of Washington State, the Heels still shot 48% from the field even after getting off to such a rocky start. Wayne Ellington (9 points) and super-sub Danny Green (12 points) are leading the way and picking up Hansbrough's slack.

One noticeable move UNC has made is keeping their shooters opposite their post guys. WSU is doubling down on Hansbrough and Deon Thompson as soon as they get the ball in the block. With a pass out of the double team and a swing pass or two (or a beautiful diagnal pass Thompson made), the Heels are getting wide open looks from deep.

They've also been getting to the free throw line area and hitting short jumpers.

For Washington State, this has to be frustrating. You keep North Carolina from running, you hold Hansbrough to just two points ... yet you still go into the break down 14.