And it’s reasonable to argue that UNC’s offensive struggles haven’t been particularly noticeable during its 3-3 run after a 10-game winning streak. However, in their first full practice week without a game in months, third-year
head coach Hubert Davis is trying to inculcate habits in his players on the defensive end.
Consider that the Tar Heels didn’t allow any foes to surpass the 70-point mark while reeling off 10 in a row. Now, they’ve given up more than 70 in each of their past six contests, and four of those opponents have eclipsed 80.
Davis addressed the suddenly recurring defensive concerns while speaking to the media via his ACC teleconference on Monday:
“I felt that we were extremely focused in throughout that 10-game period, especially [in the] halfcourt, defending without fouling, completing plays with a rebound, guarding the paint, and also guarding the three. We have performed those tasks in the last six games or so, but not as consistently.
And those are the things that we’ve discussed as a team and a group that we need to return to. It’s just a matter of being more reliable and sound from a basic defensive position, guarding the paint, supporting the assist, and doing the little things that add up to huge wins.
“So, it’s one of the things I’m excited about this week is, not having a midweek game, that for the first time in a long time we can actually practice, as opposed to practicing for preparation for a particular opponent.”
