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

By Brandon Griffin

Feb 15, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams reacts during the first half against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 15, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams reacts during the first half against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Three Questions

Feb 15, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Joel Berry II (2) defends North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) during the second half at PNC Arena. The Tar Heels won 97-73. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 15, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Joel Berry II (2) defends North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) during the second half at PNC Arena. The Tar Heels won 97-73. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Who steps in for Kenny Williams?

Kenny Williams use to be the answer to a similar question. Namely who would step up for Theo Pinson. Nearly a season later the question seems to be the answer.

With Williams out for the season, his production pickup will start with the junior, whose spot he originally took. It will also fall on some extra minutes from Nate Britt and Seventh Woods to help cover the minutes, defense, and scoring that Williams provided throughout this season.

Can the Tar Heels win the half court battle?

This is where North Carolina has struggled in the past. The Tar Heels are built to run in transition. The problem is the Cavaliers are built to take that away by slowing down the game and limiting possessions.

Past Tar Heel squads have wilted against the Cavaliers because of this. It will be up to Joel Berry II to keep a steady hand, for Justin Jackson to get open looks, and for Kennedy Meeks to establish himself in the paint. If the Tar Heels can do that, and they have many times this season, they should be ok.

Can Virginia score enough points?

This is a fair question. Virginia’s style of play already puts them in a disadvantage against teams that like to score more. However, the Cavaliers do a great job of forcing teams to play their style. The style works when shots are falling. When they aren’t things get dicey.

In their last two games, both losses, Virginia has been outscored 84-56 in the second half. In both games they were leading at halftime. If the Cavaliers do not find a way to put some points in against the Tar Heels, they may be looking at their third straight loss this season.

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