Only a thorough brainwash could have caused North Carolina fans to forget their team’s 83-59 defeat to Indiana this past Tuesday, but at least the Tar Heels generated a new story after their impressive second half versus Alabama-Birmingham on Saturday night.
The Heels turned in a strong shooting effort in the second frame, nailing 64 percent on threes. Sports information director Steve Kirschner announced in the postgame press conference that UNC’s 72 percent second half shooting marked the first occasion since 2008 that the club had surpassed 70 percent in any half.
The UAB contest marked a recurring theme, one I’ll explore more fully later next week. Against lower-range opponents, UNC has shot the ball very well from the perimeter. The question remains when, and whether, they’ll begin to knock in shots versus stronger competition.
Statistical delights await you at the official box score.