A more lingering trouble is UNC's three-point shooting; the Heels made only 4-of-18 from distance, despite numerous open looks. Harrison Barnes missed all five of his long bombs — and his troubles are a mounting concern for the team's long-term chances — and Leslie McDonald went 0-for-2. Freshman Reggie Bullock did knock in 2-for-5, but Carolina's wings simply have to shoot the ball better if the Heels are going to piece together a successful ACC campaign.
In part for that reason, the club's identity is beginning to take shape. No longer able to out-score opponents in the fashion that previous Carolina teams did, this year's Heels appear to understand that stout team defense will enable them to compete even during cold shooting nights.
Can they withstand such errant marksmanship against an elite opponent such as Duke? Probably not.
But this isn't a team that realistically can win a national title. These Tar Heels aim to earn their way back into the NCAA Tournament field, and defense alone may enable them to accomplish that goal.
The next foe is Long Beach State on Saturday night in Chapel Hill, another outcome that fans realistically can hope will be decided early. After falling to 4-3 last week, a win over the 49ers would improve UNC's record to a respectable 7-3.
To see the UNC/Evansville box score, click here.