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

They can't all be pretty. The Tar Heels showed they can win ugly in Raleigh.

Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
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Elliot Cadeau making plays again

Elliot Cadeau has been on a bit of a rollercoaster this season, as turnovers threaten to overshadow his playmaking. With UNC guard heavy, there's even mutterings that he should be benched to accommodate Ian Jackson in the starting line-up with Seth Trimble returning from injury.

Against NC State, Cadeau found the right balance. In a tight defensive game where both teams shot less than 44%, Cadeau couldn't try too many flashy passes, though he did get some highlight dimes through. He had 11 assists against just three turnovers. Hubert Davis will take that every day.

Four of those assists were directly to three-point shooters, and three led to fast break lay-ups. These are the highest value assists for point guards, and is Cadeau's superpower. If he can find his fellow Tar Heels in these dangerous spots, North Carolina's offense will really get into fourth gear.

Let's take one last look at the last assist of the night for Elliot Cadeau, a brilliant pass made even more impressive by his composure and anchored pivot foot:

Schedule

Schedule