Strong start propels UNC basketball to victory over Louisville

From the onset, it felt like the UNC basketball program was in line for a blowout victory.

Even though Louisville had other plans, the Tar Heels still found a way to secure a double-digit victory in front of their home crowd on Wednesday night.

Following a very strong start to the game, the Tar Heels built a lead that would hold throughout, as they captured their seventh consecutive victory, matching their longest win streak since the 2018-2019 season.

North Carolina knocked down 50% of its first half shots to take a 17-point lead into the break. However, the Tar Heels would come out of the gate a bit sluggish, as the Cardinals battled back to cut the lead to just five points.

Although the second half wasn't their best half of play, the UNC basketball program still found a way to get it done.

It was a "revenge game" for Jae'Lyn Withers, as he versed his former team for the first time. Withers had arguably his best game as a Tar Heel thus far, capturing his first double-double in a North Carolina uniform, finishing the night with 15 points (5-6 shooting) to go along with 10 rebounds.

The usual suspects showed up to play once again, as RJ Davis led all scorers with 21 points. The White Plains, New York native also recorded six rebounds, six assists and two rebounds in the win.

Armando Bacot moved up what feels like 10 different leaderboards, as he asserted his dominance in the post. The Tar Heels big man ended up with 19 points and seven rebounds while also dishing out five assists and swatting away three shots.

Cormac Ryan knocked down four first-half three points en route to 14 points, while Harrison Ingram was the last of five Tar Heels in double-figures with 10 points.

Was it the best overall performance the Tar Heels put together? Not by a long shot.

Of course there will be things that the UNC basketball program looks to improve upon, especially in regard to avoiding long offensive droughts. However, you will gladly look to make those adjustments following a win, as great teams find a way to get the job done regardless of how pretty it looks.