This deal gets Bank of North Carolina closer in asset size to some of its $1 billion peers in the Triad.

I think they have kept some of the decision making at the local level. That's always a real critical component to success for a community bank.

But when it comes to providing community-banking level services, it's been a peer for many years. This deal enables Bank of North Carolina to leapfrog into becoming a player in Greensboro with no overlap concerns and without the expense of opening branches there.

Southern evidently has decided that it's better to make its own entrance now rather than later.

We were pleased with our defensive effort and rebounding tonight.

We had a good night on offense. We moved the ball well and hit the open people.