RALEIGH, N.C. — Last season, it was a toe that kept North Carolina' sophomore Puff Johnson from even dressing out the final 15 games. This season, a combination of a hip flexor and a sprained ankle kept him sidelined through the first 15 games.
That's just part of what made Johnson's career-high performance in the Tar Heels' 84-74 win over N.C. State on Saturday at PNC Arena special. The win means Carolina (21-8, 13-5 ACC) can finish no worse than tied for fourth in the league standings.
Johnson played a career-high 29 minutes and scored a career-high 16 points including consecutive 3-pointers in the second half. The Heels needed a solid outing from Johnson after senior forward Leaky Black hyperextended his right knee late in the first half and did not return to the game.
