University of North Carolina Athletics
Lucas: Rapid Reactions
March 26, 2016 | Men's Basketball
By Adam Lucas
1. What a time for Carolina's perimeter shooting to suddenly make a reappearance. The Tar Heels hit their first seven three-pointers on the way to building a first half lead that was as big as 16 points. Much of that fuel was provided by Marcus Paige, who hit his first four three-pointers (tying Michael Jordan on the all-time UNC scoring list) and had 14 first-half points before being nailed with two fouls and having to sit out the final minutes of the first half.
The Tar Heels had extended stretches of offensive dominance in both halves, including a first half stretch that included points on 13 of 14 possessions, and a second half span that saw Carolina put points on the board on eight straight possessions. The most telling part of the offensive exploits was that they came from all over the court. First it was Paige, then it was Kennedy Meeks (!), then it was Brice Johnson, and then it was Joel Berry. That makes the Tar Heels very difficult to defend.
2. Carolina's depth played a role in that game. Indiana standout three-point marksman Robert Johnson did not play in the game, and former starter James Blackmon was already out with an injury. That gave the Tar Heels a big advantage in usable depth, and--even though some of it was depleted by the frequent whistles--they still appeared to wear down the Hoosiers late. It appeared to be another example of an NCAA Tournament opponent stating beforehand they planned to run with the Tar Heels, then finding out the reality was a little more difficult.
3. The Tar Heels were opportunistic on Indiana turnovers. The Heels turned Indiana's first seven turnovers into 15 points, and also used the Hoosier miscues to start the transition game, and ran to 10 fast break points. They finished with 21 points off turnovers.
4. Kennedy Meeks has taken some criticism over the past couple of months, but with Hicks limited by foul trouble, he was important for the Tar Heels in the paint. He was relentless on the glass, seemingly always getting a finger on the ball even when he didn't corral it. Meeks finished with 15 points and nine rebounds.
5. Brice Johnson finished with his 22nd double-double of the season. That ties Billy Cunningham for the most double-doubles in a single season in Carolina history. That's quite an achievement--think of all the players who have come after Cunningham who couldn't equal those 22 double-doubles. Johnson also became just the eighth Tar Heel with 1,000 career rebounds.
6. Add in Joel Berry's 14 points and five assists, and just think of all the places the Tar Heels got offense on Friday night. That's the kind of team--with offense coming from all five places on the floor--Williams always identifies as being the most difficult to stop in a tournament situation.
7. The Tar Heels went to biscuitville in Philadelphia. That's the fifth 100+ NCAA Tournament game under Roy Williams, and the first time in program history the Tar Heels have done it after the first or second round in a non-consolation NCAA Tournament game.
8. The first regional semifinal of the night in Philadelphia, which seems like about three days ago, was a grinder. Notre Dame's usually potent offense sputtered for about 39 of the game's 40 minutes before suddenly reawakening. That could present a problem for Carolina in the regional final. Notre Dame will be the heavy underdog and was just throttled by the Tar Heels, 78-47, in Washington, D.C. in the ACC Tournament. Mike Brey will now spend the next 48 hours telling his very talented team that no one believes in them, which is a powerful motivator. Remember that multiple Carolina players talked about what a tough matchup the Irish style was for the UNC defense after the Heels lost in South Bend in early February.
It will also be interesting to see how the UNC veterans respond. The Sweet 16 was a place the Tar Heels have been before. The regional final is uncharted territory. The one familiar thing will be the start time--another late one, as the Tar Heels and Irish will tip off at 8:49 p.m.
9. That doesn't make up for 1984. But it helps maybe a little bit, and there is still more basketball to play.
