Lessons Learned from the UNC basketball program's comeback win against UCLA

The Tar Heels were down big again but pulled out a Christmas miracle at the world's most famous arena.

Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images | John Jones-Imagn Images
2 of 4

Guards get it done

Seth Trimble
Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images | John Jones-Imagn Images

North Carolina scored 76 points against UCLA. Seven of those points came from true posts.

North Carolina was swallowed up in the post by UCLA's bigs, and the Bruins were boat-racing the Tar Heels from the perimeter, hitting 6/11 from three in the first half. By the end of the game, UCLA only added three more, and North Carolina eventually hit eight threes, narrowing their perimeter margin to one. All four guards hit a three, along with Drake Powell. Cade Tyson even made one, though his foot was on the sideline when he shot it.

Despite lacking size, North Carolina outrebounded UCLA 34-28. The Tar Heels also made more free throws (24) than the Bruins attempted (22), and were fortunate that UCLA missed nine attempts. We can talk about UNC's never-say-die spirit, but this was a dangerous game that easily could have ended in another heartbreaking loss.

UNC needs more production from their front court for this season to be successful.

Schedule

Schedule