Keeping It Heel
Fansided

March Madness: 5 keys to a UNC victory over Notre Dame

By Blake Cockrum

Feb 14, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Marcus Paige (5) and forward Kennedy Meeks (3) and forward Theo Pinson (1) celebrate during the second half in game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Dean E. Smith Center. The Tar Heels won 85-64. Mandatory Credit: Evan Pike-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 14, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Marcus Paige (5) and forward Kennedy Meeks (3) and forward Theo Pinson (1) celebrate during the second half in game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Dean E. Smith Center. The Tar Heels won 85-64. Mandatory Credit: Evan Pike-USA TODAY Sports /
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Rebounding

Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

North Carolina is a top-five team in offensive rebounds per game and total rebounds per game. This is another area in which the Tar Heels hold a sizable advantage over the Irish. The Tar Heels have rebounded well thus far in the tournament, outmatching their opponents with their size and strength advantage down low.

With the Tar Heels surplus in size and depth, they can continue to throw fresh bodies on the court to battle with Zack Auguste and company on the blocks. This helps keep the Tar Heels out of foul trouble as well as keeping Brice Johnson and Kennedy Meeks fresh.

The Tar Heels won the rebounding battle 49 to 31 in the previous contest. It’s a safe bet that if the Tar Heels control the glass the way they did against the Irish in the ACC Tournament, it’ll be difficult for Notre Dame to come away with the win.

Advantage: North Carolina

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