UNC Basketball hits a scoring milestone for the first time in program history

The UNC basketball program has achieved a scoring feat not seen yet in its storied history. Over the past four consecutive games, at least five Tar Heels have scored in double-figures.

Against Virginia Tech, it was Ian Jackson (19), Seth Trimble (17), RJ Davis (15), Drake Powell (13), and Ven-Allen Lubin (10).

Against Miami, it was Lubin (19), Powell (16), Davis (13), Jackson (11), Jae'Lyn Withers (11), and Trimble (10).

Against Florida State, it was Davis (20), Trimble (17), Withers (11), Lubin (10), and Jalen Washington (10).

And against Virginia, it was Withers (16), Jackson (16), Lubin (14), Davis (12), and Powell (11).

What you'll notice from those lists is that there are some constants like RJ Davis and Ven-Allen Lubin, and then there are some names that bounce in and out. Seth Trimble didn't make all four games, but in the ones he did, he was often the second highest scorer on the day.

All of this is good news for North Carolina as they prepare for the biggest and most consequential game of the season against Duke on Saturday night. The return to the traditional line-up didn't bear fruit against Clemson, but since that night, UNC has looked more cohesive and able to score at all three levels.

The offense isn't bogged down with guards taking turns trying to create off the dribble. There is space for posts to operate inside with shooters surrounding him. Lubin's newfound success, and firm claim to the starting center job, has forced teams to help on him, giving more space for Carolina's shooters. And those shooters are shooting, to the tune of 51% three-point shooting over the last four games.

All told, this offensive output shows that UNC has the firepower to overcome Duke's size and talent advantage IF they can do it again on Saturday night. North Carolina doesn't have a single point of failure that Duke can suppress to keep the machine as a whole from running.

It will still take a monumental effort from Hubert Davis's charges to beat the Blue Devils, but with the run they're on, you'd have to love your chances if they keep sharing the scoring load.