3 Exciting Observations From UNC's Second-Round Win vs. Michigan State
By Joe Summers
3. The Tar Heels Protected The Ball Like Champions
UNC had only five turnovers total in the win over Michigan State. Against a defense that ranks 80th nationally in defensive turnover rate (18.5%), that's a massive win and a large reason why the Tar Heels were successful.
Alabama is a pitiful defense, ranking 277th in defensive turnover rate (15.6%), and teams that win the turnover margin typically win the ballgame. UNC has been one of the best teams in the country at protecting the ball all year long and they've been superb through two games in the NCAA Tournament.
Beautiful.
— Ross Martin (@RossMartinNC) March 21, 2024
RJ Davis to Elliot Cadeau to Jae’Lyn Withers for the alley-oop slam. pic.twitter.com/a695PGTfCh
If UNC can force turnovers and get out in transition while protecting the ball on the offensive end, they're going deep in this tournament. RJ Davis had three turnovers in the win, though he remained the Tar Heels' most potent offensive threat with 20 points.
You can live with Davis' turnovers if he continues to score at will. Against a defense as bad as Alabama's, he might go for 30.
If UNC can keep their turnovers down once again, they'll be moving on in a similarly-dominant fashion.
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