North Carolina vs. Creighton Score: John Henson Unaffected by Ailing Wrist

Despite a tender left wrist, John Henson dominated the Creighton Jays on Sunday, helping lead his North Carolina Tar Heels to the Sweet 16.

In his first game action since spraining the wrist on March 9, Henson proved that the injury won't prevent him from contributing on both ends of the floor.

Although he was rocking tape and a molded splint, Henson matched his season averages of 13 points and 10 rebounds. He also swatted four shots and drained all of his free-throw attempts.

His wrist was clearly still sore, as he freaked out after Creighton's Grant Gibbs swiped at it midway through the first half. Henson got in Gibbs' face, resulting in a technical foul. However, his fiery reaction ignited the Tar Heels, who rattled off a 9-0 run following Doug McDermott's technical free throws.

I'm sure that wasn't Henson's intention, but the fake Bill Walton isn't so sure.

"

Since John Henson's technical, UNC has been destroying Creighton. Somewhere Kevin Garnett is smiling at his tactics.

— The Bill Walton Trip (@NotBillWalton) March 18, 2012"

Regardless of the motivation behind the technical, Henson's performance should be very encouraging for Tar Heels fans. With potential games against Kansas, Ohio State, and Kentucky on the horizon, UNC will need Henson on the floor, using his pterodactyl-like wingspan to protect the rim and snatch rebounds.

With a few days off before the Sweet 16, Henson will have some time to rest his ailing wrist. And even if it doesn't get back to 100 percent during the tournament, he showed on Sunday that he can be highly effective while injured.

The Tar Heels got a scare when Henson went down two weeks ago. However, if Sunday's game was any indication, he'll be back to his old, dominant self as the tournament progresses.