Streaking Tar Heels Are Forte-fied

After almost losing a big halftime lead for the second consecutive game, North Carolina turned to Joseph Forte. He responded--again.

Forte scored 33 points--nine in a key stretch in the second half--and No. 5-ranked North Carolina extended its winning streak to 13 games with an 88-81 victory over No. 13 Virginia Wednesday night.

North Carolina, 16-2 overall and 6-0 in the Atlantic Coast Conference, led 50-35 at halftime, but Virginia (13-4, 2-4) went on a 16-4 run to start the second half. Donald Hand and Chris Williams keyed the run with consecutive three-point baskets as the Cavaliers pulled within 54-51 only five minutes in.

Forte answered with a layup, a three-point play and two pull-up jumpers as North Carolina built the lead back to 65-57 with 11 minutes left. He also made a three-point shot with 5:15 left after Virginia pulled within 75-71.

“He’s an All-American and you put the ball in his hands,” North Carolina Coach Matt Doherty said. “He made some big, big plays. He seems to focus better when the game’s on the line.”

Forte was also the difference in Saturday’s 80-70 victory over Florida State, scoring 12 consecutive points after the Tar Heels blew most of a 19-point halftime lead.

Forte made 13 of 23 shots against Virginia and had five rebounds and four assists.

“Forte is an unbelievable player,” Virginia Coach Pete Gillen said. “He’s one of the best 2-guards I’ve seen in a long time.”

The Tar Heels led by two with 13 minutes left in the first half, but went on an 18-7 run to build a 39-23 lead. The final points came on Forte’s pass to Kris Lang for a dunk with 5:39 left.

Virginia made only 12 of 37 shots in the first half and finished with 42% shooting. North Carolina shot 56%, making 20 of its first 34 attempts from the field.

“You have to play well for 40 minutes and we got beat because we didn’t play well in the first 20 minutes,” Gillen said. “You can’t get down 15 points to a tremendous team and expect to come back.”

North Carolina has not lost since consecutive defeats to Michigan State and Kentucky on Nov. 29 and Dec. 2. Virginia has lost four of seven since opening the season 10-0.