Bluff's Hansbrough breaks ACC career-scoring record at UNC

GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Tyler Hansbrough took quick care of his latest record pursuit, then helped North Carolina advance in the NCAA tournament without one of its star playmakers.

Hansbrough set the Atlantic Coast Conference career scoring mark in the opening minutes and finished with 22 points to help the Tar Heels beat Radford 101-58 on Thursday, giving the South Region's top seed another easy tournament opener in their home state.

Wayne Ellington had 25 points for the Tar Heels (29-4), who led the entire way and had no trouble beating the 16th-seeded Highlanders even with point guard Ty Lawson, who missed his third straight game with a toe injury.

North Carolina improved to 26-1 in NCAA games played in its home state and advanced to face LSU on Saturday.

The Tar Heels led by 19 at halftime before steadily increasing the margin against Radford (21-12), the Big South Conference champion making just its second NCAA appearance.

HARAZ N. GHANBARI ~ Associated PressNorth Carolina's Tyler Hansbrough shoots a free throw against Radford during the first half of their NCAA tournament game Thursday in Greensboro, N.C. Hansbrough broke the Atlantic Coast Conference's career scoring record with a pair of free throws during the first half.

Hansbrough, a Poplar Bluff native and the reigning national player of the year, came in with 2,767 points and needed three to pass Duke's J.J. Redick for the ACC record. The 6-foot-9 senior missed his first two shots before tying Redick on a layup about 3 minutes in, then broke the record on a free throw with 15:43 left in the first half.

The record wasn't announced, but the crowd -- packed with fans wearing light blue -- knew immediately when it happened. Besides the cheers, many fans held up congratulatory signs, while North Carolina assistant coach Steve Robinson and a few players on the bench also applauded.

True to his typical unflinching focus, Hansbrough didn't do anything to acknowledge the moment and ran back down court. Still, it was the latest honor for a player who earlier this year broke both the career scoring and rebounding records at the school.