Courtesy of The News and Observer March 4, 1960 via Newspapers.com
Tar Heels Shake Off Early Scare, Roll Past Virginia 84–63
Shaffer Hits 29, Larese Adds 28 as Carolina Reaches ACC Semifinals
RALEIGH, March 3 — Underdog Virginia gave North Carolina all it wanted for nearly a half, but once the Tar Heels found their footing, the Cavaliers’ upset hopes melted away beneath Carolina’s size, speed, and relentless rebounding. The Tar Heels stormed into the Atlantic Coast Conference semifinals Thursday night with an 84–63 victory before more than 11,000 at Reynolds Coliseum.
Virginia, pestering Carolina with a spirited zone press, stunned the crowd by racing to a 23–13 lead in the first eight minutes. But the Cavaliers’ early fire could not withstand the steady brilliance of Lee Shaffer, who poured in 21 first‑half points and almost single‑handedly kept the Tar Heels within reach.
Carolina finally caught and passed Virginia with 3:32 left in the half when Shaffer took a long pass from York Larese and laid it in for a 32–31 lead. The Tar Heels carried a 38–35 edge into the locker room.
Virginia’s Last Stand Fades Quickly
The Cavaliers opened the second half with a brief burst — four points in less than a minute — to reclaim a 39–38 lead. But that was their final moment in front. A 20‑footer by Harvey Salz, followed by baskets from Larese and Shaffer, sent Carolina back on top for good.
From there the Tar Heels unleashed their fast break and used their overwhelming advantage on the boards to stretch the margin steadily. Larese repeatedly slipped underneath the defense for layups, scoring 20 points in the second half and finishing with 28.
Shaffer, hitting from all angles — hooks from 10 feet, jumpers from 15 to 20, and several drives to the rim — totaled 29 points and 13 rebounds. Larese added 12 rebounds of his own, while Doug Moe led all rebounders with 17.
Cavaliers Outmanned on the Glass
Virginia’s lone big man, 6‑8 Bob Mortell, battled gamely for 15 points and 12 rebounds, but the Cavaliers were simply too small to stay even. Carolina dominated the boards 62–37, limiting Virginia to a single shot on most possessions once the Cavaliers’ early shooting cooled.
Paul Adkins led Virginia with 20 points, while John Haner added 11 and Tony Laquintano 14, including several long‑range jumpers that kept the Cavaliers afloat early.
Virginia shot a respectable 44.1 percent in the first half but slipped to 33.3 percent after intermission. Carolina finished at 39.3 percent, nearly matching the Cavaliers’ 38.9.
Tar Heels Advance With Momentum
Carolina now moves into Friday’s semifinal round, where it will meet Duke in the fourth meeting of the season between the archrivals. The Tar Heels have won six straight from the Blue Devils, including last year’s tournament semifinal.
If Shaffer and Larese continue their torrid scoring pace, Carolina will be difficult for anyone to stop.
