Harrison Barnes (ankle) looked a tad slow as he was nicked up, but he showed why he is an All-American. The superstar hit a huge jumper and two free throws late in the game to secure the 83-74 victory over Maryland.

The rest of the Carolina frontline stars played up to their ability by dominating Maryland in the second half (46-34). 

Barnes was only 5-of-15, ending up with 18 points and eight boards, but Tyler Zeller and John Henson combined for 39 points and 19 rebounds (seven offensive).

The two lengthy towers were tough to stop in the paint and they took their shots from a motivated and productive Maryland squad that led by three at half.

The Terps (13-9, 3-5) have had their struggles in the ACC, but they can compete with several teams in the ACC when Terrell Stoglin is going bonkers.

Stoglin is a shifty southpaw who can break your ankles, but his 18 points weren't nearly enough to upset the talented Tar Heels.

He was coming off a virtuoso performance against Miami (FL), where he booked the Canes for a season-high 33 points.

Maryland's frontcourt (Alex Len at 7'1" notched 12 pts off bench and played with the Heels for most of the game) did not get outplayed that bad, and taking into account the Heels lead the nation in rebounds (46.3) they hung in their and played their hearts out for head coach Mark Turgeon.

Point guard Kendall Marshall is still the superstar that holds the keys to the Heels chances of cutting down the nets on the night of April 2nd.

Marshall ended up with a career-high (tied) 16 assists, and he has an argument of becoming the best player in the country at his respected position.

He had a quiet nine points, three rebounds and two steals, but he can often become a silent glue-guy even though this team is always led by No. 5

Reggie Bullock continues to impress the nation, as he went 5-of-10 as the 2-guard, but his 6'7" frame is incredible to watch as he is a pest on both ends of the court. He runs extremely well for a tall kid and he hit the big shots when he was given the opportunities.

North Carolina (20-3, 7-1) will be in a three-way tie with Florida State and (if and when) Duke if they can get by Miami (FL) on Sunday.

Of course, we are only a day away from Super Bowl Sunday, but do not forget what we are on the verge of witnessing.

Wednesday night is Duke at Carolina in Chapel Hill, and the place should be in a frenzy for arguably the greatest rivalry in collegiate sports.

Not only will this game have one-seed implications for the Atlantic Coast Conference, but a likely one-seed in the NCAA Tournament will be impacted from this upcoming thriller.

Keep it here every weekend for your latest college basketball news, updates and analysis.

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