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North Carolina looks to build momentum vs. Miami

Jan 17, 2009 - 11:21 AM Miami-Florida (13-3) at No. 6 North Carolina (14-2) 9:00 p.m. EST

CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina (Ticker) -- In its third Atlantic Coast Conference game of the season, sixth-ranked North Carolina finally reached the win column.

The Tar Heels look to gain steam and win their second straight league game when they host Miami on Saturday.

Many were discussing whether North Carolina (15-2, 1-2 ACC) could go undefeated for the season as recently as two weeks ago. After losses to Boston College and Wake Forest to open ACC play, the Tar Heels face an uphill battle to the top of the league standings.

North Carolina started that trek Thursday with an 83-61 rout of Virginia. Tyler Hansbrough recorded his fourth double-double of the season with 28 points and 12 rebounds in the win.

Ty Lawson bounced back from his worst game of the season with 19 points and nine assists while Danny Green and Wayne Ellington scored 13 points apiece.

In a 92-89 loss to Wake Forest on Sunday, Lawson was limited to nine points and committed six turnovers while counterpart Jeff Teague scorched the junior for 34 points.

Miami (13-3, 2-1) recorded a comeback win over Maryland on Wednesday. After trailing by 12 at halftime, a 14-2 run in the second half pulled the Hurricanes within striking distance.

A layup by Lance Hurdle gave Miami its first lead, 59-58, with 1:20 left. Two free throws by Maryland's Eric Hayes left Miami behind by one, but Jack McClinton's 3-pointer with 24 seconds left proved to be the game-winner.

McClinton scored 18 points while Hurdle added 10 for the Hurricanes, who have won six straight since dropping their ACC opener to unbeaten Clemson on December 21.