The North Carolina Tar Heels opened up its 2022-23 campaign with a 69-56 win over UNC-Wilmington on Monday night. It was the start of what they hope is a very special season in Chapel Hill and although UNC struggled at times in the game, they pulled away with the win.
The Seahawks deserve credit for how they played, putting pressure as UNC tried to bring the ball up the court. The ability to try and trap players slowed down UNC’s offense as they didn’t have a transition basket until the second half.
But one stat that was a little jarring is something the Tar Heels haven’t done since the 1980 season.
Per Michael Koh of WCHL, the Tar Heels’ 4 assists in the game were the fewest since 1980 when they lost to Texas A&M in the NCAA Tournament:
#UNC’s 4 assists tonight were its fewest since 1980
— Michael Koh (@michaelkohwchl) November 8, 2022
Now, there is a flip side to this.
UNC’s defense held the Seahawks to just 3 assists in the game, the lowest by a Tar Heels opponent since the 1975 season per Riley Davis of the Field of 68:
UNCW's 3 assists, oddly enough, are the lowest by a #UNC opponent since 1975. https://t.co/pLUjLKutYZ
— Riley Davis (@Riley_Davis3) November 8, 2022
It’s only one game and I believe it’s fair to be a little worried about the offense but at the same time there’s no need to panic. There’s a ton of basketball left to be played and this team will figure it out.
The next chance to come out and improve is Friday when they host Charleston.
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