Cone says Carolina’s win over State was “as hard fought a 19-point win as I’ve seen in a while.”

That said, there sure wasn’t much on the court for Hardin to write about, since he gives it the ol’ “game didn’t matter after the coach was hauled away on a stretcher” routine.

I don’t understand the players’ supposed confusion surrounding Sidney Lowe’s condition. Engin Astur said he knew earlier in the day Lowe was sick, so why couldn’t the coaching staff just tell the players he was being taken to the hospital to get some fluids? If Lowe indeed was alert and not happy about the situation, then his condition couldn’t be that grave.

Besides, a well-prepared team should have been able to overcome the unexpected absence of its coach. That’s one thing you have to say about the Dean Smith system. Smith, (with Roy Williams at his side) prepared his players so well in practice that they instinctively knew what to do on the court. Had the situation been reversed last night, with Williams leaving the court at halftime, I believe the outcome still would have been the same.

By the way, what excuse does Boston College have for getting their butts kicked last night with their coach on the floor every second?