Recap: Tar Heels hold off pesky Wildcats in CBE Hall of Fame Classic

After a shocking loss to the University of Northern Iowa on Saturday, the Tar Heels had a quick turnaround and chance to get that loss out of their system.

North Carolina used a second half surge to get past the Northwestern Wildcats on Monday night in the opening round of the CBE Hall of Fame Classic. The Tar Heels came out hot grabbing an early first half lead, but the Wildcats just wouldn’t go away.

Northwestern grabbed a lead midway through the first half and had several chances to extend it as Carolina looked dismal for a short stretch. However, the Tar Heels gained control of the game leading 43-36 at halftime.

The Tar Heels were led by sophomore Justin Jackson’s 21 points and 13 rebounds, giving him his first double-double of the season for the No. 9 team in the country. The Tar Heels gained control at a pivotal point in the game as the Wildcats cut the lead to 48-46 with 17:20 left as UNC started to click.

UNC used key buckets by Joel Berry II, Brice Johnson and Jackson down the stretch as they tightened up the defense and sealed the deal.

Playing without senior guard Marcus Paige for the fifth time this season, the Tar Heels had six players scoring in double digits including all five starters. Johnson recorded his fourth double-double of the season as he finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Three quick observations

Jackson ready to shine

The sophomore wing really started to come into his own last season becoming a key player down the stretch for the Tar Heels. Now with Paige out at least a few more days, Jackson has the chance to step up and be a leader for the Tar Heels.

Jackson got off to a hot start and then continued his good play throughout the game, getting key buckets and rebounds when the Tar Heels needed them the most.

Carolina’s perimeter defense

The Tar Heels struggled to guard the Wildcats guards on Monday and it almost cost them. Several times Bryant McIntosh and Tre Demps were able to split the defense and create for Northwestern on the offensive end. UNC had trouble staying in front at times and it led to open shots for the Wildcats offense.

Carolina is a really good team, but in order to be a championship team the perimeter defense must improve. They eventually will run into a hot-shooting team that has excellent guard play and it could hurt them.

Pinson’s pass

Sophomore guard Theo Pinson was another bright spot for the Tar Heels, recording 10 points and eight assists in 29 minutes of play. He’s making a case to remain in the starting lineup when Paige returns, especially if he can make plays like this:

Whose got next?

Another matchup against the Wildcats. North Carolina advanced to the finals of the CBE Hall of Fame Classic and will take on Kansas State on Tuesday.  The Wildcats defeated the Missouri Tigers 66-42 on Monday and looked pretty good doing so.

Kansas State could provide some problems down low for UNC, which will be something to look out for.