Get back on defense. Yes, this is a staple for basic success of any basketball team but especially against the Tar Heels. When he was at Kansas and now at Chapel Hill, Roy Williams preaches the secondary fast break. UNC will look to run even after B.C. scores the ball so getting back on D is imperative for success.
Compete on the back boards.To expect the Eagles to stop or even contain Tyler Hansbrough isn’t very realistic. The reigning National Player of the Year is just too good not to get his points. But B.C. must hold their own on the offensive and defensive glass. The more rebounds they get on both ends of the floor is another way to limit the number of possessions for the Heels. The less Carolina has the ball, the fewer opportunities they have to score.
Tyrese Rice plays like a first team All-ACC member. It’s a safe bet that at some point during preparation for this game, Roy Williams reminded his team that in last year’s contest at B.C., Rice torched UNC to the tune of 46 points including eight of 12 from beyond the three-point arc. To expect another career night from Rice isn’t very likely, but the Eagles, in order to pull the upset, will need anywhere from 25 to 30 points from their senior leader.
More importantly, in addition to lighting up the score board like a pinball machine, Rice must get his teammates involved. That means assists. Many assists. If Rice can tally a double-double for the day, then his teammates will be converting easy buckets. If that’s the case, then the Eagles will maintain the balanced scoring they’ve had all season long and not have to rely solely on Rice.
Boston College will be in for a long day if…
North Carolina takes this game seriously. Expectations and talent levels differ greatly for these two teams. UNC is the overwhelming favorite to win the National Championship. The Eagles are looking to gain valuable experience for their slew of youngsters in an effort to return to the NCAA tournament. If UNC thinks that all they have to do is punch the time clock to get a win, then B.C. could sneak up on them. If they don’t show up and B.C. hangs around for the entire game, then things could get interesting in crunch time. Especially when the Eagles possess a clutch player like Rice who has the ability to take over during winning time.
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