Keeping It Heel
Fansided

UNC Basketball: Orange vs. Tar Heels game preview

By Brandon Griffin

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Three Questions

Dec 7, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Isaiah Hicks (4) pulls down a rebound in front of Davidson Wildcats guard Jon Axel Gudmundsson (3) during the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. The Tar Heels won 83-74. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Isaiah Hicks (4) pulls down a rebound in front of Davidson Wildcats guard Jon Axel Gudmundsson (3) during the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. The Tar Heels won 83-74. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Is UNC’s “Death” Line-up their best unit?

With Tony Bradley out, UNC went super small. With four minutes left in the first half, Roy Williams sent out a line up of Justin Jackson, Theo Pinson, Nate Britt, Kenny Williams, and Joel Berry II. After giving up four points early, the unit started to gel.

With the Tar Heels only up two with two minutes to go, the small ball Heels outscored the bigger Seminoles 7-0 to go into halftime with a nine point lead. The unit also had four rebounds, two assists, and a steal during that stretch.

The unit was very reminiscent of the Golden State Death Line-up that won 140 games the last two years. Will Roy continue to use it? Only time will tell, but early returns are exciting.

Can Isaiah Hicks stay out of foul trouble?

Against Florida State, Isaiah Hicks had a season-high 22 points in just 22 minutes of play. He also had seven rebounds. He also only committed three fouls. Hicks has struggled to stay on the floor this season, having gotten four or more fouls eight times this season. When he can keep his wits, he can be a very valuable contributor to the Tar Heels this season.

Will this contest be a Final Four repeat?

Sure it was last season. Sure a lot of the players are no longer the same. But that game could be very telling. UNC won that game 83-66. The Tar Heels are averaging 89 points this season, the Orange 76.

UNC also outrebounded Syracuse 43-31. Again this season the Tar Heels are averaging 45 rebounds per game compared to the Orange’s 38. That game additionally saw UNC record 18 assists to just Syracuse’s five.

A lot can still happen, but if Syracuse doesn’t find ways to keep up with the Heels scoring and boards, this may end up being another blow out for the Tar Heels.

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