N.C. State vs. North Carolina: Tar Heels Pummel Wolfpack in Chapel Hill, 74-55

The loss of Dexter Strickland did not even look like it bothered the Tar Heels in the slightest as they dominated North Carolina State from start to finish, winning 74-55.

North Carolina (17-3) came into the game leading the nation in rebounds (46.3), and they ended up with 48.

Tyler Zeller is doing his best Antawn Jamison imitation, as he totaled 21 points and 17 rebounds on 8-of-11 shooting (5-of-5 from the line). John Henson had nine points, 10 rebounds and five blocks on the night in the winning effort.

However, this team still lives and dies by the play of point guard Kendall Marshall.

Marshall had just seven points (averages 5.9), but dropped 11 dimes and committed just four turnovers on the night. 

Superstar Harrison Barnes went 7-for-13 on the night, and he ended up with a respectable 15 points. 

The story all week was about who would replace Strickland's production, and it looks like Reggie Bullock can handle it and then some.

Bullock hit three triples out of five heaves, and finished 11 points, five boards and three assists (33 minutes). P.J. Hairston was also successful, albeit off the pine. In 19 minutes of action, he went 3-of-8 (0-for-5 downtown) with six points.

Collectively, the Heels' defense was lights out as they limited the Wolfpack to 36.8 percent (21-for-57)  shooting and out-rebounded them by 27!

Desmond Hubert is a forward to keep your eye on since he brought down three offensive boards and five for the game in 13 minutes of action. Backup point guard Stillman White came in for five minutes to give Marshall a breather, and he drilled a three in the process.

The final score did not indicate the beatdown, as North Carolina State banked a handful of threes in the second half (9-of-20 for the game).

It was all Heels all night, and they will now look ahead to a Sunday night home game against Georgia Tech before they quickly head to Winston-Salem to take on Wake Forest on Tuesday.

North Carolina still has two weeks to prepare for Duke (Feb. 8) in what is considered by many as the best rivalry in college sports. That game in Chapel Hill could go a long way in their pursuit for a National Championship as well.

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