Canes Fading Fast

I think it's fair to say that the Hurricanes' dream of an NCAA bid is about over at this point. The disappointing home loss to an average-at-best FSU team pretty much sealed the deal.

There's really not all that much that can be said of the recent slide except that either the Canes aren't playing well enough, or are simply not good enough to compete in the ACC. Losses to UNC, Duke, and even BC I can understand. However, this team needed to win games against NC State, Wake Forest and FSU.

Now, the Canes basically have to win their remaining games, minus a loss or two, to have a shot at the tourney. It doesn't look like that's going to happen. It's disappointing because I really felt this team was going somewhere after a fast start. Maybe that 12-0 start can be attributed to the schedule, or maybe it's lack of confidence or execution against a tough ACC schedule.

Tonight, it was the poor shooting that did them in. 30% is just not enough in the ACC. McClinton's shooting woes continue, and though I couldn't watch the game, I wouldn't be surprised if most of his misses were due to rushed shots. His shot selection hasn't been the greatest of late.

It also strikes me as odd that such a "balanced" team offensively would finish a game with only 9 assists. Also, the front line is underperforming. You can't start Anthony King if he's not going to score all game. And were it not for the efforts of backup Jimmy Graham, the rebounding stats wouldn't look too great.

I'm not really sure why the team has struggled offensively of late, but it doesn't really matter when your team is already next-to-last in the conference halfway through the schedule. It's a tough road ahead, and barring a surprising surge, an NIT bid is the best this team can look forward to.