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North Carolina still searching for first ACC win

Jan 15, 2009 - 11:42 AM No. 6 North Carolina (14-2) at Virginia (7-6) 9:00 p.m. EST

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia (Ticker) -- North Carolina's early success had some prognosticators discussing an undefeated campaign. All those predictions came crashing down when the Tar Heels began Atlantic Coast Conference play.

Sixth-ranked North Carolina tries to earn its first win in the ACC when it visits Virginia on Thursday.

The Tar Heels (14-2, 0-2 ACC) won their first 13 games this season, all by double figures, despite limited playing time for Tyler Hansbrough, the reigning National Player of the Year who missed the start of the campaign with a stress reaction in his right shin.

Despite the thrilling run out of the gate, North Carolina endured a seven-point loss to Boston College in its ACC opener. After bouncing back with a 38-point drubbing against the College of Charleston, the Tar Heels dropped a 92-89 decision to then-No. 4 Wake Forest on Sunday, falling to 0-2 in conference play for the first time since 1996-97.

The slow start in conference play has not bothered coach Roy Williams.

"It's what it is," Williams said. "We're 0-2 and we have to try to play better and be more effective. I told the kids that during Tyler (Hansbrough), Bobby (Frasor) and Danny's (Green) freshman year, we were 3-3 at one time and ended up 12-4."

The Tar Heels hope they can begin that turnaround against the Cavaliers (7-6, 1-1), who have lost two of their last three games, including a 78-75 setback against Virginia Tech on Saturday.