UNC Basketball: Black helps the Tar Heels get back on track

For the first time this season, this UNC basketball player has earned our “Tar Heel of the Game” award.

After two brutal blowout losses, we didn’t feel that it was right to name any UNC basketball player the “Tar Heel of the Game” for either contest.

Luckily, the two-game losing streak is over, and we’re back to giving out the award!

North Carolina picked up a much-needed 10-point victory over Virginia Tech to kick off their three-game week. For the first time in the Hubert Davis era, five Tar Heels scored in double-figures, as the bench only contributed two points in the victory.

There are a few guys who had solid nights, but it’s fitting that we give the “Tar Heel of the Game” award to someone for the first time this season.

The last four games haven’t been great for senior Leaky Black. Although the Concord, North Carolina native isn’t known for being a scorer, he has had some struggles over that span, as he’s seen season-low minutes in both of the Tar Heels’ recent losses.

On Monday night, Black did a little bit of everything to help lead his team to victory.

Let’s start with his offense. Virginia Tech dared him to shoot the basketball on multiple occasions, and the senior forward made them pay. Black finished with a season-high 10 points on three of five shooting, two of his three makes coming from beyond-the-arch. He also filled up the stat sheet, recording five rebounds and two assists.

This game marks the first time that Black has scored in double-figures since last season against Duke.

It’s never a question about how good Black is on defense, but it was certainly on display against the Hokies. Mostly matched up with Hunter Cattoor, Black was constantly in on the action, forcing tough contested shots while getting his fair share of deflected passes. Over his 34 minutes of action, Black recorded three steals and a block on the defensive side of the ball.

Black often gets a lot of scrutiny, as he’s not a player who will give you much offensively. However, the senior understands his role, and does a lot of positive things that don’t necessarily show up in the box score.

Instead, Black does the dirty work, playing tough defense, making smart decisions while also serving as a veteran leader on the floor for this team.

Now, of course, we’d all love to see Black contribute offensively as he did against Virginia Tech. In fact, we’re sure that teams will continue to challenge him to shoot the ball.

If he keeps knocking down open shots, that trend will quickly stop, and the Tar Heels will become a better team because of this added weapon to their offensive arsenal.

Leaky Black earns our “Tar Heel of the Game” award for the first time this season. Check back with us on Wednesday night to find out which UNC basketball player will earn the award for the team’s home ACC matchup against Boston College.

Continue to follow the Keeping It Heel team for all the latest news and updates regarding Leaky Black and the rest of the UNC basketball program.