Lessons Learned from the UNC basketball program's heart-stopping win at NC State

Nothing easy at the rim

There was a block party at the Lenovo Center, and everyone was invited.

North Carolina had trouble getting to the rim, as the Wolfpack were on the hunt for blocks. NC State had five in the first half and two goaltending penalties. Even when NC State didn't get a block, they were bothering UNC to the tune of 6/12 shooting at the rim. North Carolina's shorter guards couldn't see sunlight with all the arms hovering over the rim.

The Tar Heels weren't slouches by any means, with Jalen Washington, Ven Allen-Lubin, and Drake Powell each tallying first half blocks for the good guys. UNC continued its uptick in defensive intensity that began with SMU, holding NC State to 20 first half points before the Wolfpack (and Jayden Taylor specifically) got their offense going in the second half.

Jalen Washington was a man among boys, blocking three shots, including the game sealer: