UNC teams used to dominate from start to finish.
When North Carolina plays against teams, especially non-power-five opponents, something is different. There seems to be less desire to end the game quickly, which, in turn, allows those teams to hang around. This, at times, can be tough to watch. Last year, the Tar Heels were in a dog fight with schools like UNC Wilmington, Gardner-Webb, Portland, and Charleston. None of those games were won by more than 16 points.
What Changed?
When you think of great UNC teams, they used to beat non-conference opponents by 30 or more regularly. Outside of a game here or there, it seems as though these out-of-conference games have been much closer over the past few seasons. Is it lack of motivation? It is not a talent issue. Some of it could be the new rules letting upperclassmen stay in school longer, allowing those schools to bring back veteran players. But North Carolina is doing the same. For many, the intensity in these games is lacking, which lets smaller schools hang around.
Bring Back Blowouts
Last year, North Carolina dominated only one school from start to finish, and it was The Citadel. The final score was 100-67, and the Tar Heels looked great. These games often alter national perspective. A close win against those schools does not look good and can get the media talking negatively. Hopefully, this year is different. North Carolina faces Radford, Lehigh, UC Riverside, Northern Iowa, and Charleston Southern. None of those games should be close. UNC has both the veteran presence and talent to end these games quickly.
With such an experienced group this season, is it time that North Carolina flexes on its opponents again?
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