Keeping It Heel
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UNC Basketball: Panthers vs. Tar Heels game preview

By Brandon Griffin

Jan 28, 2017; Coral Gables, FL, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) dribbles the ball up court against the Miami Hurricanes during the first half at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2017; Coral Gables, FL, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) dribbles the ball up court against the Miami Hurricanes during the first half at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 28, 2017; Coral Gables, FL, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Nate Britt (0) dribbles the ball against Miami Hurricanes guard Bruce Brown (11) during the first half at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2017; Coral Gables, FL, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Nate Britt (0) dribbles the ball against Miami Hurricanes guard Bruce Brown (11) during the first half at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Key Players

Pittsburgh: F James Artis and F Michael Young

I have listed these two in tandem for the entire season. So there is no reason to stop now. Artis and Young are combining to average 41 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists per game. They are one of the highest scoring duos in the country. A big game by either and Pitt can stay close. A big game by both and UNC could be in trouble.

North Carolina: G Nate Britt

Some people would probably have me tied and quartered for listing Britt as a key player. Jackson had a great game against Miami, but I mentioned him in the Miami preview. So in an attempt to keep things fresh, I went with the next most productive player, and that was Britt.

Nate Britt finished with 10 points, three assists, and two rebounds in 21 minutes of play. The 10 points were one most than he has scored in his past four games combined. Britt also went 2-3 from behind the arc.

Getting Britt’s confidence up will be good for the Tar Heels as the season progresses. In a game like the one against Miami, any positive takeaways should be seen as a bonus. If Carolina can get this kind of production from Britt when they are actually performing well, they will be that much tougher to beat.

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