3 Exciting Observations From UNC's Second-Round Win vs. Michigan State
By Joe Summers
2. North Carolina Proved They Can Win Even While Losing the Rebounding Battle
For most of the season, the Tar Heels' identity has revolved around Armando Bacot and Harrison Ingram's unrelenting dominance on the glass.
Bacot has the most rebounds in UNC history and the Tar Heels overall rank sixth in defensive rebounding percentage (76.7%). However, they lost the rebounding battle to the Spartans by a tally of 37-32. It still didn't matter, proving this squad can win in a variety of ways.
Michigan State clearly wanted to battle UNC down low and force the Tar Heels to make shots. Well, they did. Now, they'll face a Crimson Tide squad that ranks 225th in defensive rebounding percentage (69.8%), giving North Carolina a huge edge after surviving this test.
This is why Michigan State doubled Armando Bacot. But because he shredded it with passes to open players, they leave their big on an island this time. A triangle look, then he bodies into the left hand jump hook. Hard to stop when he can score with either one. @HeelIllustrated pic.twitter.com/xu3q2jZ6lJ
— David Sisk (@CoachDavidSisk) March 25, 2024
This kind of smooth game for Bacot was great to see. He's not just a rebounding machine, and his 10 free throw attempts bode well for the Sweet 16 matchup as well.
Alabama can score with ease, but their statistical profile is underwhelming at best otherwise. They rank 326th in defensive free throw rate (40.2%), so Bacot can live at the line if he so chooses.
With Davis, Bacot and Ingram all playing well, I expect a victory for the Tar Heels. Even if their Plan A doesn't work, they've got plenty of tricks up their collective sleeve to punish opponents.