UNC Basketball: Roy Williams has harsh criticism for Tar Heels following loss

UNC falls to Wofford in a shocking upset, leaving the Tar Heels frustrated with their performance

Well that was unexpected.

The North Carolina Tar Heels entered Wednesday’s game against Wofford as 20-plus point favorites at home.

They left with a four-point loss and having many wonder what the heck happened.

Wofford came into the Dean Dome and outplayed the Tar Heels in every aspect of the game and was tougher down the stretch when they needed to be. UNC overcame a double-digit lead in the second half but it didn’t matter as it was too late.

First, you have to give props to the Terriers who came in and won a non-conference game on the road in the Dean Dome. Something that isn’t easy to do.

The last time UNC lost a home game to a non-conference opponent was Iowa back in 2014.

On Wednesday, UNC just didn’t have it. The loss came just a few days after the Tar Heels got a big road win at Tennessee in which they hung in the game and made the plays down the stretch to win it.

But following Wednesday’s loss, head coach Roy Williams noticed something about his team and he wasn’t happy.

“Not pleased at all,” Williams said. “I don’t think we came out with the passion we needed to have. We got a big win on Sunday and we were fat and happy and think things are going to be so easy for us.”

Williams pointed out that the Tar Heels turned it over way too much. UNC committed 14 turnovers in the game and the Terriers took advantage, scoring 16 points off those turnovers.

The head coach echoed his frustrations with his team in the locker room as the players talked about the disappointing loss.

Senior Joel Berry spoke to his teammates in the locker room as well, sending a message to the team.

“I just told the guys you have to buy into the system,” Berry said via Inside Carolina. “Each and every practice that we go out there, we can’t go through the motion and just think we are going to just beat teams because we are North Carolina. That’s what happens when you have a young team. You have to get those guys to understand that you have to buy into the system and you have to go out there each and every practice, game, whatever it is and you have to give it your all.”

Berry finished the game with 23 points on 7-of-16 shooting and missed a key layup at the end of the first half, allowing Wofford to take a 34-33 lead into the break.

The senior tried to help lead a comeback but couldn’t do it all himself. Berry took the loss personally.

“Yeah, you know i’ve been here four years and I give it my all each and every day,” Berry said. “I could care less about the accolades that I have and everything I’ve been through since I’ve been here. It’s more to it than that. I play for whats on the front of my jersey. It means something to me. When we lose a game like that, I’m not gonna show it but it does hurt me a lot because I know what this team can do. I know I’m going out there giving it my all and I’m the leader of this team, so if we lose a game like that and we go out there and play like that I feel like it’s my fault.”

Typically when UNC losses a game like this where they play sloppy, there is a quick practice the next day and a lot of running.

Williams told the media that he hoped to get back to practice as early as 6 a.m. on Thursday but jokingly said he didn’t think that was allowed by the NCAA.

The Tar Heels will return to action on Saturday for the CBS Sports Classic against Ohio State in New Orleans.

Next: Wofford stuns UNC for big upset

We will see how well this team rebounds after a disappointing loss.