First of all I like these sports writers but had to respond to the over-riding theme that "UNC lost more than Clemson won". Here's what I wrote:
Every team likes to think they control their own destiny, even after a loss. Of course Heels think they should have won if they had just played harder. No team can perform at top level every game. Last night the deck was stacked against Clemson. Chapel Hill negative karma, the crowd, two devastating last minute losses, a 3 day turn around after 1 point loss to UVA, NCAA qualifying pressure and negative tweets by unreasonable fans. Heels had to overcome a 9 point win against Duke. What a mountain to climb! (sorry, got carried away there....) Heels had strong games from Bacot, Davis, and Ingram, just wasn't enough. I do appreciate your comments that Clemson played harder and hungrier, but disagree with "North Carolina lost this game as much as Clemson won it." Clemson overcame all that adversity and controlled the outcome of the game. To say the Heels lost it because they couldn't get over a win against Duke really cheapens what Clemson accomplished considering what both teams were dealing with going into this game.