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Hansbrough leads UNC to easy win over Florida Atlantic

Dec 20, 2006 - 5:21 AM CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina (Ticker) -- Tyler Hansbrough and North Carolina performed like Roy Williams had something against one of his former players.

A 6-9 sophomore, Hansbrough scored 14 of his 20 points in the first half and freshman Brandan Wright added 15 as the second-ranked Tar Heels rolled to a 105-52 victory over Florida Atlantic in a non-conference matchup and first meeting between these programs.

Reyshawn Terry and freshman Wayne Ellington both had 14 points, combining to hit six 3-pointers, and freshman Ty Lawson collected eight assists and four steals for North Carolina (9-1), which extended its winning streak to six games.

While Williams was the coach at Kansas, Rex Walters, the Florida Atlantic coach, was an impact player in his backcourt from 1991-93. The Jayhawks went 56-12 during those two seasons and reached the Final Four in 1993.

But now Walters is in his first season as coach at Florida Atlantic (4-7) and his club was no match for the No. 2 team in the country.

"You guys have no idea what it's like to coach a youngster who gave you every ounce of his heart, body and soul, and then to see him (Walters) down on the other end of the bench," Williams said. "That youngster is going to be a great college coach and he was a truly a great college player. I'm where I am today because of Rex Walters and some other guys."

Hansbrough, who made 6-of-7 shots and 8-of-9 free throws, helped the Tar Heels race ahead to a 34-5 lead through the first 11 minutes. UNC held a commanding 65-18 advantage at the break.

"It was just one of those nights when everything seemed to be falling for us," Hansbrough said. "We tried to play the way that we do and things just went well for us."

The Tar Heels netted 74 percent (20-of-27) of their attempts before halftime, while the Owls connected on just 24 percent (6-of-25) during that span.

"Everybody was moving the ball, setting screens for each other and trying to make shots for other people. That's why we scored so much," Lawson said.

At one point during the second half, UNC led by 66 points.

"Sometimes I might feel sorry for them (Owls)," Lawson said. "But we keep playing hard. The wrath of Coach (Williams) would be worse than feeling sorry for them. So we just keep putting it on them."

DeAndre Rice scored 13 points for Florida Atlantic, which committed 24 turnovers.