CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — In a battle between top-10 teams, the No. 7 North Carolina men's basketball enters halftime trailing No. 3 Virginia 38-35.
Here are two things to note from the first half at John Paul Jones Arena.
Brogdon mania
Entering tonight's game averaging 18.2 points per game this season, UVa. senior Malcom Brogdon made his mark early and often in the first half against the Tar Heels.
Brogdon leads all scorers with 17 points and is shooting 6-for-8 from the field and 2-for-2 on 3-pointers. The senior scored or assisted on 20 of the Cavaliers' first 27 points.
North Carolina wing Justin Jackson started the game defending Brogdon before picking up two quick fouls. Since then, multiple Tar Heels have attempted to guard Brogdon but have struggled to do so.
Behind Berry
On the other end of the floor, UNC has been led by sophomore Joel Berry. The guard scored 14 first-half points, while shooting 5-for-8 from the field and 4-for-6 from behind the arc.
Perhaps his most significant contribution came in the final minute of the first half, as he made back-to-back 3-pointers to trim the deficit entering the locker room.
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