3 Noteworthy Observations From UNC's Blowout Win Over Florida State
By Joe Summers
2. We Just Witnessed a Rebounding Masterclass
Rebounding is one of the great equalizers in college basketball. Good offensive rebounding teams typically generate additional possessions for their offense while solid defensive rebounding teams prevent the opponent from doing the same.
Basketball often comes down to simple math. Luckily, the Tar Heels have a winning formula. North Carolina out-rebounded Florida State 48-22, and the commentators throughout the game couldn't help but notice how overmatched the Seminoles were.
North Carolina brought down an absurd 17 offensive rebounds, giving the talented offensive playmakers extra chances while keeping the Florida State defense racing around exhausted. When you give players like RJ Davis and Cormac Ryan more shot attempts than the opponent, good things often happen.
UNCvsFSU | UNC has dominated the rebounding battle in its last 20 games, maintaining a positive rebound margin of +185. During this impressive streak, they secured victories in 17 of those matchups. #UNC #GoHeels pic.twitter.com/jGYEzgjgmG
— Chris Smith (@chrismithunc) March 14, 2024
Bacot is obviously the driving force behind the Tar Heels' work on the glass, though Harrison Ingram is one of the best rebounding wings in the country himself. The potential first-round 2024 NBA Draft pick had five offensive boards and 10 total today. After averaging 9.3 per game during the regular season, he's a crucial piece to North Carolina's strategy.
There will inevitably be a tournament game in which the Tar Heels' shots aren't falling. If they can overcome the struggles by utilizing a big edge in rebounding, they'll put themselves in a great position to win regardless.
Sometimes, basketball really is all about math.