Keeping It Heel
Fansided

March Madness: 5 keys to a UNC victory over Indiana

By Blake Cockrum

Mar 17, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Isaiah Hicks (4) attempts to dunk the ball in front of Florida Gulf Coast Eagles forward Marc Eddy Norelia (25) during the first half at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Isaiah Hicks (4) attempts to dunk the ball in front of Florida Gulf Coast Eagles forward Marc Eddy Norelia (25) during the first half at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Depth

Mar 14, 2015; Greensboro, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Joel Berry II (2) and guard Nate Britt (0) and guard/forward Theo Pinson (1) cheer from the bench during game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first half during the championship game of the ACC Tournament at Greensboro Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Evan Pike-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Evan Pike-USA TODAY Sports /

North Carolina’s depth is pretty obvious.

Top reserve Isaiah Hicks won the ACC Sixth Man of the Year Award. Nate Britt is the team’s second-leading three-point shooter and free throw shooter. Theo Pinson is an athletic guard with good size and length who provides much-needed energy off the bench. To say the least, this team is deep.

While Indiana is talented in their starting rotation, their depth can’t match that of the Tar Heels. If the Hoosiers get into foul trouble, they have far fewer effective options to come off the bench with. They’ll need to play good defense while avoiding fouls or North Carolina will wear them down, much like they did to Providence in the round of 32.

North Carolina should look to go inside to Brice Johnson early and often. Their guards should look to create penetration and drive to the basket. Either way, this game plan leaves them with high-percentage shots and the opportunity to get fouled in the process.

Advantage: North Carolina

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