UNC left the Bahamas on a high note!
North Carolina went to the Battle 4 Atlantis looking to win the event. Although that didn’t happen, there were so many positive moments in the tournament. There were questions about the defense, lineups, toughness, and more. They answered those. UNC’s schedule is loaded from now to the end of December.
Lots to Love
First off, this team responded to adversity. There is an obvious shift in focus and intensity. Did last years team push back when other teams were on a run? Not often. This team opened with a rough first half in the first game, and after that, dominated Northern Iowa for 20 minutes.
The Villanova game was frustrating for a lot of reasons. UNC built multiple leads, but a whistle always followed. There was no rhythm because there were constant stoppages. However, even through multiple players fouling out and ‘Nova runs, Carolina fought back. Ultimately, the Heels lost, but they showed that they wouldn’t lay down.
UNC played a solid game against Arkansas while missing starter Cormac Ryan. Others stepped up and led the team to a ranked win. R.J. Davis and Harrison Ingram could not be stopped, and their performances came up huge.
Bench Production
North Carolina has depth. Seth Trimble, Elliot Cadeau, Jalen Washington, and Paxson Wojcik all provided valuable minutes. Trimble hit two big threes against Arkansas, Washington was solid all tournament, Cadeau has shown he is ready for the moment, even starting a game, and Wojcik came up big late.
Although UNC finished third, it was a solid showing. If not for three players fouling out against Villanova and one player going off for 34 points, the Tar Heels may have won the event!
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