Lessons Learned from the UNC basketball program's much needed win over SMU

The Mustangs love to run, but they'll limp back to Dallas after a start-to-finish whooping from North Carolina.

SMU v North Carolina
SMU v North Carolina | David Jensen/GettyImages
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North Carolina wins a track meet

Chuck Harris, RJ Davis
SMU v North Carolina | David Jensen/GettyImages

North Carolina's lack of size has been discussed ad nauseam. But what has not been seen to make up for this absence of bulk is a team that runs. Like, runs enough to please Roy Williams.

We may have seen the first glimpse of that last night.

The Tar Heels were defending with urgency, forcing 11 turnovers that they turned into 18 points. UNC scored 15 fast break points, preferring chaotic runs to the rim, rather than breaking down SMU's tedious zone defense.

North Carolina's strength is in the backcourt, and they have four guards who can bring the ball up in pace. If they can get rebounds and hit the ground running, this version of UNC could make some noise.

Schedule

Schedule