3 Observations From UNC's Blowout First-Round Win vs. Wagner

3. Jae'lyn Withers Needs More Playing Time

While Davis and Bacot met their sky-high expectations, seldom-used Jae'lyn Withers was the star of the contest. He came off the bench to score 16 points on 5-of-7 shooting with 10 rebounds and a steal in 22 minutes, far more than his average of 12.4 per game.

Depth matters in the postseason, especially if Bacot or Harrison Ingram face foul trouble in any game. Having a dependable backup like Withers is vital, and the senior transfer rose to the occasion in a big way.

He went 6-of-9 from the free throw line, proving he can be trusted when fouled. Withers played only 11 minutes in each of the Tar Heels' previous two games, though he's earned more runway after this strong effort.

Bacot is typically the one getting double-doubles with Ingram throwing one in from time to time. On Thursday, Withers joined the party and even added three assists.

He shot 78% from the charity stripe on the season, a critical figure because it means Hubert Davis can trust him late in games if the situation calls for it. Given the Spartans' aforementioned lack of size and struggles on the glass, I hope to see Withers on the floor on Saturday. Not only can he provide his own contributions, but his presence lets Bacot get some well-deserved rest as well.

In the gauntlet that is the NCAA Tournament, even your stars need to rest. Withers might wind up being a valuable "x-factor" if North Carolina succeeds in cutting down the nets.

More North Carolina Tar Heels News:

Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.