Terps Downed By No. 14 UNC, 97-86

Feb. 15, 2004

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) - Rashad McCants scored 25 points and Jawad Williams added 23 to help No. 14 North Carolina hold off Maryland 97-86 on Sunday.

Sean May and Jackie Manuel each scored 14 points for the Tar Heels (15-7, 5-6 Atlantic Coast Conference), who avenged last month's loss to the Terrapins by taking a 20-point halftime lead then holding off Maryland's rally in the second half. Chris McCray scored 16 points for the Terrapins (13-8, 4-6), who had won five of the last six meetings, while Jamar Smith added 14.

North Carolina hit 36 of 50 free throws in a game marked by 55 personal fouls and 80 free throws. Maryland went 20-for-30 at the line.

The Tar Heels had 50-32 edge in rebounding and shot 55 percent for the game.

The Tar Heels turned in one of their best performances of the season in the first half. They aggressively attacked the basket, got to the free throw line and scored in transition, romping to a 55-35 lead.

But the Tar Heels came out flat in the second half, and Maryland played with more intensity. The Terrapins forced 12 second-half turnovers, several leading to baskets, and used a 15-4 run to get back in the game.

Ekene Ibekwe had two slams off turnovers during the run, which ended with Smith's 3-pointer that made it 72-66 with 10:11 to play. The Terrapins eventually closed the gap to 82-79 on a straightaway 3 by John Gilchrist with 4:52 to play.

But North Carolina answered with a five-point burst. McCants' 3 bounced around the rim and dropped through on the next play, then Melvin Scott followed with a fastbreak layup for an 87-79 lead with 3:55 to play.

The Tar Heels also needed a bit of good fortune.

With the Tar Heels holding a six-point lead, Raymond Felton tried to find Williams inside, but the pass was tipped by a defender. McCants picked up the ball behind the arc on the right side and chucked it at the rim with 2 seconds left on the shot clock.

The ball banked through for a 92-83 lead with 2:01 left, forcing Maryland coach Gary Williams to wave his hands in disgust.

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